Perception of machismo traits of expressiveness and stress coping strategies in adult men in northeastern Mexico

Abstract

Machismo is a form of hypermasculinity whose characteristics are subject to context, culture and historical moment. The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of the perception of sexism among positive and negative expression traits associated with femininity and coping with stress (problem-focused and centered on emotion strategies) in adult men in northeastern Mexico. An empirical study was conducted using a quantitative methodology and a ex post facto retrospective design, on one group with multiple measurements, over a sample of 263 men aged 20 to 50. The results indicated a average levels in the perception of machismo among the participants and significant relationships between a greater presence of sexist behavior and less positive traits associated with femininity expressiveness, and less use of problem-focused coping strategies. The variables that predict the perception of sexist behavior in participants were two stress management strategies: a more opened and less focused on solving problems emotional expressiveness. In conclusion, despite the fact that the perception of sexism is related to the traits of expressiveness and coping with stress, only two of the coping strategies considered were predictors of the perception of machismo.