Androgyny and Successful Adaptation Across the Life Span Among Japanese Adults

Abstract

The purposes of this study were (a) to examine androgynous, masculine, feminine, and undifferentiated traits of Japanese respondents ranging in age from 13 to 92 years old, as measured by the Bem Sex Role Inventory and (b) to measure the relationship between androgyny and successful adaptation. The respondents were randomly sampled from Yokohama City (634 men, 802 women) and were classified by age as follows: 13–24 years old, 25–44 years old, 45–64 years old, and 65 and older. Successful adaptation was measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the CES-Depression Scale, the Hassles Scale, and by subjective health. No age effects for androgyny and masculinity were found in men. The undifferentiated type was predominant in adolescents, both male and female. In the oldest age group, most women were classified as feminine. Adaptation of the four sex roles was different depending on sex and age. Throughout the life span of both sexes, there was a relationship between androgyny and successful adaptation. Self-esteem and subjective health seemed to be the most effective predictors of adaptation.