Diagnostic Sex-Role Bias: How Can We Measure It?

A new instrument was designed to measure sex-role bias towards children. The instrument, the Chasen Diagnostic Sex-Role Bias Scale, is composed of case histories focusing on the “somewhat unhealthy” aspects of two main factors of behavior: activity (composed of independence and aggression); and passivity (composed of dependence and nonaggression). Validity and reliability coefficients were reported as well as a formula by which to use the scale to diagnose individual bias, in addition to group bias. In using the scale on a national sample of school psychologists, it was determined that differences in Diagnostic Sex-Role Bias scores exist, as do wide variations about what is considered healthy and unhealthy behavior among girls and boys.