Abstract:
Conformity to masculine norms is defined as meeting societal expectations for what constitutes
masculinity in one’s public or private life (Mahalik et al., 2003). Research shows that
conforming to masculine norms can produce negative outcomes in men’s behavior, such as
greater depression and anxiety (Cournoyer & Mahalik, 1995). Conformity to masculine norms
also has been shown to be affected by athletic identity specifically in college football players
(Steinfeldt & Steinfeldt, 2012). However, conformity to masculine norms has been studied
minimally in relation to positive factors such as life satisfaction or psychological well-being
(Rochlen, McKelley, Suizzo, & Scaringi, 2008). Therefore, the purpose of the current study was
to study the relationship among conformity to masculine norms, athletic identity, life
satisfaction, and psychological well-being in college football players across different divisions.
Total years in football, year in school, and position were measured in relation to conformity to
masculine norms to extend previous findings (Steinfeldt & Steinfeldt, 2012). Participants were
110 male athletes participating on intercollegiate football teams at the Division I, II, III, and
NAIA levels who completed a demographic questionnaire, the Conformity to Masculine Norms
Inventory-46 (CMNI-46), Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), Satisfaction with Life
Scale (SWLS), and Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) online. Pearson’s correlations
indicated significant correlations between CMNI subscales and other factors, and three-way
ANOVAs found no significant differences between CMNI subscales and other variables. Results
and implications are discussed.
