The Development and Validation of the Meanings of Adolescent Masculinity Scale

Although conformity with traditional male gender role norms has been linked to psychological and social adjustment in adolescent boys, most studies have relied on either qualitative research or measures of male role norms developed for adults. This study sought to develop and conduct preliminary validation of a multidimensional scale assessing endorsement of male role norms among adolescent boys. The content validity, clarity, and format of scale items for the Meanings of Adolescent Masculinity Scale (MAMS) were generated from interview data and through focus group discussions with adolescent boys. The resulting questionnaire, along with convergent validity scales, was completed by a diverse group of 193 7th- through 10th-grade boys. Factor analysis supported a 4-factor model: Constant Effort, Emotional Restriction, Heterosexism, and Social Teasing. Subscales derived from this analysis yielded good internal reliability. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations between MAMS subscales and existing measures of male role norms and psychological adjustment.