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Abstract
Self-report measures of empathy and emotional intelligence have frequently revealed significant gender differences, with females typically scoring higher than males on these dimensions. In this study, we investigated whether, in line with a social identity approach, manipulating the gender normativity of empathy and emotional intelligence would ameliorate typically observed differences. Male and female participants (N = 330) were randomly assigned to read one of three narratives comprising fictitious neurological research evidence which claimed that males (Condition 1) or females (Condition 2) or neither males nor females (Condition 3) scored higher on measures of empathy and emotional intelligence. Results indicated that, in Conditions 2 and 3, females scored significantly higher than males on self-reported empathy. However, when information suggested that males were superior to females (Condition 1), no significant gender differences in self-reported empathy were observed. A similar pattern was found for emotional intelligence, however the predicted interaction effect failed to reach significance. The role of social context in determining gender differences in emotional functioning is discussed with particular reference to gender differences in motivation.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Michael J. Clarke
Michael Clarke received his BA from the University of Sydney and his B Soc Sc (Hons) from the University of New England. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of New England on the topic of gender normativity.
Anthony D.G. Marks
Dr Anthony Marks received his BSc in applied psychology from the University of Southern Queensland and his BA with Honours in Psychology and PhD from the University of New England. His research interests include gender studies, environmental psychology, and adolescent psychology, with an emphasis on risk perception, decision-making, and problem behaviors in adolescence.
Amy D. Lykins
Dr Amy Lykins received her BA from Indiana University and her PhD from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA. Her primary research interests are in the areas of human sexuality and sexual health, specifically in the role of cognitive processes (e.g., attention, memory) in the evaluation of sexual information. A further area of interest is the development of sexual orientation and sexual attraction. Dr Lykins also has research interests in decision-making and behavior related to climate change, as well as assessing the effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy.