Hypermasculinity Inventory Test

This hypermasculinity test is inspired by Archer’s (2010) research, which sought to systematically measure men’s endorsement of extreme masculine values. Hypermasculinity, as a psychological and social construct, is characterized by a strong emphasis on physical strength, sexual dominance, risk-taking, aggression, emotional stoicism, and the rejection of behaviors or traits traditionally associated with femininity. Individuals who score highly on measures of hypermasculinity often endorse beliefs that men should be tough, dominant, sexually assertive, and emotionally restrained, while devaluing vulnerability, sensitivity, and egalitarian gender roles. These beliefs are reinforced through social norms, media portrayals, peer interactions, and institutional practices that reward aggressive or dominant behavior in men, making hypermasculinity both a personal attitude and a culturally embedded expectation.

Archer’s development of the hypermasculine values questionnaire represents a rigorous effort to quantify these attitudes, creating a structured tool for researchers and practitioners to assess the extent to which individuals endorse hypermasculine beliefs. The questionnaire includes items that capture both overt expressions of aggression and dominance, such as confrontational behavior or the prioritization of physical strength, and more subtle indicators, including attitudes toward emotional expression, sexual roles, and gendered expectations. By assessing a broad spectrum of beliefs, the questionnaire allows participants to reflect not only on their own tendencies but also on the ways societal norms shape conceptions of masculinity.

The present test adapts Archer’s work into a self-assessment format designed for personal reflection and insight. It provides participants with an opportunity to explore patterns in their attitudes, preferences, and behaviors related to masculinity, including how these attitudes may influence their relationships, social interactions, and professional conduct. Unlike traditional psychological assessments that may aim to categorize or pathologize participants, this test does not label individuals as “good” or “bad” based on their responses. Instead, it functions as a reflective tool, encouraging self-awareness and critical thinking about how hypermasculine values manifest in daily life. Participants can consider how these values affect their emotional expression, their tolerance for vulnerability, their understanding of gender roles, and their approach to social dominance or competition.

Additionally, this test highlights the broader social implications of hypermasculinity. While individual scores provide insight into personal attitudes, the construct itself is deeply intertwined with cultural norms, media influence, and institutional expectations that perpetuate traditional masculine ideals. By engaging with the test, individuals may gain awareness of how their own beliefs align with or resist these societal pressures, fostering opportunities for personal growth and more conscious social interactions. Overall, this hypermasculinity self-assessment is a structured, research-informed tool designed to promote understanding, reflection, and dialogue around the complex ways masculinity is experienced, expressed, and socially enforced in contemporary life.

References

• Archer, J. (2010). Derivation and assessment of a hypermasculine values questionnaire. British Journal of Social Psychology, 49(3), 525–551.