This study examined the association of masculine and feminine personality traits with peer victimization in college and the moderating role of previous peer victimization experiences. Using a longitudinal sample of 716 participants (58% women), victimization in childhood and adolescence was assessed through peer- and self-reports. At age 19, participants evaluated their victimization in college and gendered personality traits. Control variables included body mass index, harsh parenting, and socioeconomic status. Results showed that men with more feminine traits and women with more masculine traits were more victimized in college than their peers with gender-conforming personality traits. However, this was only evident among those who had already frequently been victimized in childhood and adolescence. In contrast, no such association was observed among individuals who had suffered little to no prior peer victimization. Chronic peer victimization during the school years may reinforce certain behaviors related to femininity or masculinity traits that—if contrary to prevailing gender-role norms—may increase the risk of further victimization when individuals enter college. The findings emphasize the need for interventions to reduce bias against gender-nonconforming youth.
Godin et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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