Men’s value for a large penis relates to threatened masculinity, dominance, and aggression: A test of symbolic self-completion theory.

Abstract

Symbolic self-completion theory proposes that feeling insecure in an important domain motivates individuals to demonstrate alternative symbols of success. Based on this and the idea that a large penis may serve as a symbol of masculinity, we hypothesized that feeling humiliated regarding failures to fulfill the masculine role increases men’s value for a large penis. In Study 1, a measure of men’s value for a large penis was created and scores on this measure correlated positively with masculine role stress, dominance, and anger/aggression. Study 2 replicated these results and a regression found that masculine role stress predicted value for a large penis, but dominance and anger/aggression did not. Study 3 added a new subscale (desire for large penis) and found that both subscales related to feeling humiliation regarding failures to fulfill the masculine role. Both subscales correlated positively with religiosity and support for President Trump. Study 4 manipulated masculine threat by having participants recall times they failed to fulfill the masculine role. Path analysis showed an indirect effect of threat condition on value for a large penis through humiliation. All studies were conducted online with heterosexual men from the United States. These results suggest that men’s value for a large penis is partly driven by insecurity regarding fulfilling the masculine role. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)