Ambivalent Sexism as a Correlate and Predictor of Psychological Aggression

Abstract

rpetuates gender discrimination at work, sexual objectification and subjugation of women, and limits females’ power across personal, economic, and political domains. It is a risk factor for psychological aggression. Objective. The aim of this study was to develop and test a path model analysis of psychological aggression with hostile and benevolent sexism as explanatory variables. Materials and methods. 163 women were selected non-randomly from Mexico City and Metropolitan area. Measures of ambivalent sexism and psychological aggression adapted to Mexican population were applied. A path model analysis was carried out as well as a multivariate analyses of variance. Results. Main results showed that hostile sexism significantly predicts the index of psychological aggression. It was also observed that catholic religion was associated with a greater level of benevolent sexism, while a low economic status with a higher degree of hostile sexism. Conclusions. Findings obtained allowed the identification of some risk factors associated with sexism and psychological aggression. Thus, this research encourages the design and implementation of effective intervention strategies addressing such factors in order to diminish ambivalent sexism and psychological aggression, particularly in the context of Latin American cities.