Are sexist beliefs related to mental health problems?

ABSTRACT

Ambivalent Sexism Theory delineates two forms of sexist beliefs: hostile and benevolent. While several studies have indicated interpersonal problems associated with both forms of sexist beliefs, few have examined mental health factors. Gender role strain theories suggest that rigid adherence to traditional gender roles is associated with psychological dysfunction. By extension, adherence to sexist beliefs should be associated with mental health symptoms. However, this specific connection between sexist beliefs and mental illness remains untested. To address this gap, we analyzed data from a large community sample of men and women (N = 1,025) that was gathered online via survey from 2017–2019. Multi-group structural equation modeling indicated hostile sexism as a significant predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress across men and women. Benevolent sexism was significantly positively associated with stress and anxiety in men, as well as anxiety symptoms in women at the bivariate level; however, these connections became non-significant when controlling for hostile sexist beliefs. Structural invariance analyses failed to indicate any moderating effects associated with gender. Our results support a modest positive connection between hostile sexist beliefs and mental health symptoms. Clinical implications, directions for future research, and limitations are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Benevolent sexism
• hostile sexism
• ambivalent sexism
• depression
• anxiety

Data availability

Raw data is available from the first author.

Disclaimer

The authors report no conflicts of interest associated with this manuscript.

Public significance statement

Our results suggest holding sexist attitudes (particularly hostile sexist beliefs) is associated with increases in mental health symptoms. While these connections are modest, they are still statistically significant. These results are also consistent with a breadth of scientific research connecting sexist beliefs with dysfunctional personal problems.

Supplementary data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed on the publisher’s website.