Date of Award

2018

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Previous research has suggested that racial discrimination (Pascoe & Smart Richman, 2009) and sexist experiences (Zucker & Landry, 2007) are related to increased alcohol consumption. However, ambivalent sexism theory suggests that there are two forms of sexism (Glick & Fiske, 1996; 1997). While hostile sexism refers to overtly negative attitudes towards women, benevolent sexism refers to positively valenced attitudes towards women that still serve to reaffirm masculine dominance. Therefore, the current studies explore the differential effects of experiencing hostile vs. benevolent sexism on college women's alcohol consumption using correlational (Study 1) and quasi-experimental (Study 2) methodologies. In addition, the current studies examine two potential mediators of these effects: anger (Barreto & Ellemers, 2005) and belongingness need threat (van Beest & Williams, 2006). Finally, stigma consciousness (Pinel, 1999) and collective self-esteem (Luhtanen & Crocker, 1992) are examined as potential moderators. Results of Study 1 suggest that hostile sexism experiences in everyday life are related to decreased alcohol consumption via their effects on anger while benevolent sexism experiences are related to increased alcohol consumption. Results of Study 2 suggest that experiencing either a hostile or a benevolent sexism manipulation is related to increased alcohol consumption that evening compared to the control condition.

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