Personal Attributes Questionnaire

Personal Attributes Questionnaire

The Personal Attributes Questionnaire (PAQ) is a self-report inventory designed to measure individuals' perceptions of their own masculinity and femininity. It was developed in the 1970s by Janet T. Spence and Robert Helmreich as a tool to assess gender roles and personality traits associated with traditional gender stereotypes.

Development

The PAQ was created in response to the need for a reliable and valid measure of gender-related personality traits. It was designed to capture the complexity of gender roles beyond the simple dichotomy of male and female. The questionnaire includes items that assess both instrumental traits (traditionally associated with masculinity) and expressive traits (traditionally associated with femininity).

Structure

The PAQ consists of a series of statements that respondents rate on a Likert scale. The items are divided into three subscales:

• Masculinity (M) Scale: Measures traits such as assertiveness, independence, and leadership.
• Femininity (F) Scale: Measures traits such as warmth, sensitivity, and nurturing.
• Androgyny (A) Scale: Measures the degree to which an individual possesses a balance of both masculine and feminine traits.

Scoring

Respondents' scores on the PAQ are calculated by summing their ratings for each subscale. Higher scores on the Masculinity scale indicate a stronger identification with traditionally masculine traits, while higher scores on the Femininity scale indicate a stronger identification with traditionally feminine traits. The Androgyny scale provides a measure of the balance between these traits.

Applications

The PAQ has been widely used in psychological research to study gender roles, gender identity, and the impact of gender-related traits on various aspects of life, including career choice, mental health, and interpersonal relationships. It has also been used in clinical psychology to assess clients' self-perceptions and to inform therapeutic interventions.

Criticisms

Despite its widespread use, the PAQ has faced criticism for its reliance on traditional gender stereotypes and its binary approach to gender. Critics argue that the questionnaire does not adequately capture the diversity of gender identities and expressions present in contemporary society.

See also

• Bem Sex Role Inventory
• Gender schema theory
• Gender studies
• Psychometrics
• Self-concept

Related Pages

• Masculinity
• Femininity
• Androgyny
• Gender identity
• Psychological research
• Clinical psychology