The Toxic Masculinity Scale: Development and Initial Validation.

Abstract

The present study sought to develop and validate the Toxic Masculinity Scale (TMS). Following scale development best practices, a thorough review of the literature and existing measures was conducted. Next, a qualitative inquiry using a grounded theory approach was employed to develop a data-driven definition of toxic masculinity and 165 proposed instrument items. These items were reviewed and modified with input from content experts (N = 6). The initial 108 items were administered to a preliminary sample (N = 683) of U.S. White undergraduate men. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a five-factor structure (i.e., Masculine Superiority, Gender Rigidity, Emotional Restriction, Repressed Suffering, Domination and Desire). Item analysis yielded a 35-item five factor survey that was administered to a second novel sample (N = 408) of White undergraduate men. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated inadequate fit for the 35-item scale; however, fit was improved by reducing scale length to 28 items loading onto 4 factors (removal of the Domination and Desire factor). Internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and discriminant validity were explored with this sample. The TMS28 demonstrated strong positive correlations with related measures (e.g., CMNI, MRNI) and a strong negative correlation with a diametrically opposed measure (i.e., LFAIS). Additionally, the TMS28 demonstrated strong adequate internal consistency for the scale overall (α = 0.93) and for the four subscales (i.e., α = 0.87-0.94). Future directions and implications for the instrument are discussed.