THE EFFECTS OF SEX ROLE AND INTERPERSONAL DEPENDENCY ON FEAR OF SUCCESS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between fear of success and interpersonal dependency, sex-role identity, sex-typing of career choice, and style of marital-career conflict resolution. Fear of success was theoretically defined as relating to conflicts around separation-individuation (Cohen, 1974; Pappo, 1972; Porjesz, 1974).;Ninety-five female college undergraduates were administered the Cohen Fear of Success Scale (FOS), the Interpersonal Dependency Inventory (IDI), the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI), and a background questionnaire.;As predicted, high FOS females were significantly higher on two IDI subscales, Emotional Reliance Upon Another Person and Lack of Social Self-Confidence, and chose careers independently judged as significantly more feminine. Although the predicted relationship between FOS and BSRI classification did not reach significance, high FOS females were significantly lower in BSRI Masculinity. FOS and style of marital-career conflict resolution, contrary to prediction, were not significantly related.;A supplementary focus of the study was to explore different dimensions of fear of success. Therefore, the relationship between FOS and Horner's Revised Motive to Avoid Success Projective Test was also studied.;FOS and MAS were found, as expected, not to be correlated for females, but were significantly and positively correlated for males. Based on their relationships with major and minor variables, it was postulated that FOS and MAS were associated with different developmental phases in adult women. High FOS was characterized by a high degree of dependency, theoretically associated with separation-individuation difficulties. High MAS, in contrast, was postulated to be associated with greater separateness and autonomy. In high MAS women, it was proposed, the conflict generated in an attempt to balance high affiliative and high achievement goals may lead to a resolution based upon culturally stereotyped attitudes.;The implications of the study for research in sex roles and suggestions for the resocialization of women in conflict were discussed. The need for further research on the familial antecedents, long-term effects, and sex differences in FOS and MAS were suggested.