A01

• In psychological research, androgyny refers to a personality type embodying a balance of masculine and feminine traits, attitudes, and behaviours. For instance, a person might be competitive and aggressive at work while being caring and sensitive at home. Bem proposed that high androgyny correlates with psychological well-being, because individuals exhibiting both masculine and feminine traits in equal measure can adapt more effectively to various situations compared to those with a narrower range of traits.
• Both men and women can be androgynous. However, an overabundance of traits from the opposite gender does not constitute androgyny; a highly masculine woman or a highly feminine man lacks the balance required.
• Bem's Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) measures androgyny by presenting 20 traits deemed 'masculine' (like competitive and aggressive), 20 'feminine' traits (such as tender and gentle), and 20 'neutral' traits. Participants rate themselves on a seven-point scale for each trait, from 'never true of me' to 'always true of me.' The scores are classified across two dimensions: masculinity-femininity and androgynous-undifferentiated.