A Multidimensional Gender Identity Profile for Young Adults : A New Measure of Gender Identity and Its Relationship with General Psychological Well-Being

Many gender researchers have proposed multidimensional constructions of gender identity (Arrindell, Kolk, Martin, Kwee, & Booms, 2003; Cook, 1985; Korabik & McCreary, 2000), but few multidimensional measures have been studied. The current research proposed and assessed the Multidimensional Gender Identity Profile for Young Adults. The major theories applied to this measure included gender schema theory (Bem, 1974; Spence & Helmreich, 1978), gender strain paradigm (Pelck, 1995), and multidimensional gender identity (Egan & Perry, 2001; Korabik & McCreary, 2000). The measure was further examined through its relationship with general psychological well-being, as measured by general health and global self-esteem. For men, the Multidimensional Gender Identity Profile for Young Adults was found to be a better predictor of general psychological well-being than any single measure of gender identity. For women, however, the Multidimensional Gender Identity Profile for Young Adults was not found to be a better predictor of general psychological well-being than any single measure of gender identity. The results indicated the need for further research into possible factors that mediate the relationship between psychological well-being and gender identity