RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DOMINANT TEMPERAMENT TYPE AND GENDER ORIENTATION AMONG STUDENT-PSYCHOLOGISTS

ABSTRACT

This empirical study investigated the relationship between dominant temperament type and gender orientation among 300 psychology students (150 males and 150 females). Modified versions of the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI), V.S. Merlin’s Temperament Questionnaire (MTO), and a specially developed gender orientation questionnaire were used. The results showed weak correlations between temperament types and gender orientation, indicating the influence of multiple factors, including professional training and social context.

Keywords: temperament, gender orientation, psychology students, masculinity, femininity.

1. Introduction

Contemporary research in personality psychology and gender studies aims to identify the relationships between temperament and gender orientation, as these characteristics influence personal development and professional activity. The aim of this study is to examine correlations between dominant temperament type and gender orientation among psychology students.

2. Research Methodology

2.1 Participants

The study involved 300 psychology students: 150 males and 150 females, aged 18 to 24 years.

2.2 Instruments

• Modified version of the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI)
• V.S. Merlin’s Temperament Questionnaire (MTO)
• Specially developed gender orientation questionnaire including scales for gender identity, gender roles, and gender stereotypes

2.3 Procedure

Participants completed all questionnaires under controlled conditions. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses were used to process the data.

3. Research Results

3.1 Distribution of Temperament Types

The distribution of temperament types among students is presented in Table 1.

Table 1

Distribution of Temperament Types (EPI and MTO) Among Psychology Students by Gender

The distribution of temperament types among males and females did not significantly differ (p > 0.05).

3.2 Assessment of Extraversion and Neuroticism

Mean scores for extraversion and neuroticism are shown in Table 2.

Table 2

Mean Scores of Extraversion and Neuroticism (EPI) Among Psychology Students

Differences were not statistically significant.

3.3 Gender Orientation

Mean scores on gender orientation scales are presented in Table 3.

Table 3

Mean Scores on Gender Orientation Scales Among Psychology Students

No statistically significant differences were found.

3.4 Correlation Analysis

Pearson correlation analysis revealed weak relationships between temperament and gender orientation (r < 0.15, p > 0.10). An exception was a weak positive correlation among males between choleric temperament and traditional gender roles (r = 0.21, p = 0.08), which did not reach statistical significance.

3.5 Regression Analysis

Regression analysis showed that temperament types are not significant predictors of gender orientation indicators.

4. Discussion

The study results confirm the absence of a significant relationship between dominant temperament type and gender orientation among psychology students. Main trends indicate similarity in temperament distribution and gender views between males and females, likely related to professional training and social environment. Weak correlations require further study with a larger sample and additional factors taken into account.

5. Conclusion

No statistically significant relationships between dominant temperament type and gender orientation were found in the sample. This suggests that these characteristics are likely shaped by multiple factors, including professional training and social context.

References:

1. Eysenck, H. J. (1963). Manual of the Eysenck Personality Inventory. London: University of London Press.
2. Shmelev, A. G., Pokhilko, V. P. (1985). Adaptation of the Eysenck Personality Inventory in the USSR. Moscow: Moscow State University.
3. Merlin, V. S. (1980). Temperament and Character. Moscow: Moscow State University Press.
4. Merlin, V. S. (1985). Temperament and Character. New York: Academic Press.
5. Mdivani, M. O., Lidskaya, E. V. (2020). Russian version of the Gender Role Beliefs Scale (GRBS). Social Psychology and Society, 11(3), 185–195. DOI: 10.17759/sps.2020110312.