Sexual double standard in Icelandic society : effects of gender, sexual history and the impact on self-esteem and depression
The aim of this study was to examine sexual double standard in Icelandic society and to examine the impact of experiencing sexual double standard, on symptoms of depression and self-esteem. Participants (n = 1211), recruited through Facebook, completed a 70-item questionnaire. Sexual double standard was measured with a 14-item four-point Likert scale called Sexual Double Standard Scale (SDSS). The Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale was used to evaluate participant’s self-esteem. Information about symptoms of depression was measured with the Symptom Checklist-90-R. Results showed that there was no, or very low sexual double standard among the sample as assessed with the SDSS. However over 90% of the participants believed that there is sexual double standard in the Icelandic society and over 50% reported that they had experienced sexual double standard. The result also indicated that women who had experienced sexual double standard had lower self-esteem and higher levels of depression than those who had not. Experiencing sexual double standard did not affect self-esteem or depression among males. Overall, the findings indicate that sexual double standard is low in the Icelandic society and that woman who have experienced sexual double standard might be at risk for depression and low-self esteem Keywords: sexual double standard, sexual behavior, gender, self-esteem and depression
Sálfræði, Kynhegðun, Sjálfstraust, Psychology, Sexual behavior, Self-esteem
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