The Chinese gender role stress scales: Factor structure and predictive validity

Abstract

The present study aimed at examining the factor structure and predictive validity of the translated Masculine Gender Role Stress (MGRS) and Feminine Gender Role Stress (FGRS) scales in samples of Chinese college students and professionals (N = 482). Consistent with previous research, our results supported the theoretical assumption that stressors associated with gender role behaviors were sex-specific, and Chinese men generally scored higher on the MGRS factors but lower on the FGRS factors than Chinese women. Compared to professionals, students had higher scores on both Gender Role Stress (GRS) scales. The MGRS factors predicted somatic complaint and anxiety, whereas the FGRS factors predicted social dysfunction. Results of confirmatory factor analyses rejected a five-factor structure for the two Chinese GRS scales. Based on exploratory factor analyses, a more parsimonious three-factor solution was identified for each GRS scale. The revised three-factor GRS scales compared favorably with the original five-factor GRS scales in internal consistency, interfactor correlations, and prediction of psychological distress. The major discrepancy between the original and revised factor structure was related to the prediction of depressogenic symptoms. In sum, our results suggested that the two GRS constructs were useful in the Chinese context, and the revised three-factor structure provided a viable alternative to the original five-factor structure.