Author(s): LAAJILI, T., KÁLCZA-JÁNOSI, K., DOJCSÁK, E., SZALAI, A., LUKÁCS, A., Institution: HUNGARIAN UNIVERSITY OF SPORTS SCIENCE, Country: HUNGARY, Abstract-ID: 1036

Introduction: Psychological androgyny, characterized by the simultaneous presence of high masculine and feminine traits, is increasingly recognized as a flexible internal resource that supports adaptive functioning. While sport environments demand high levels of both assertiveness and emotional regulation, the interplay between gender role orientation, biological markers, and psychological well-being remains under-researched in female populations. This study investigated the relationship between psychological gender role orientation, sport performance levels, salivary testosterone, and indicators of mental health.
Methods: A total of 300 women (aged 18–35 years) participated, including high-performance athletes (40.3%), recreational athletes (25.0%), and physically less active individuals (34.7%). Gender role orientation was assessed using a Hungarian-adapted version of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI). Psychological well-being and global self-esteem were measured using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Basal salivary free testosterone levels were determined in a subsample (n=86) using quantitative ELISA assays. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with post hoc test, Chi-square tests, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests.
Results: A significant association was found between sport performance and gender role orientation (p=0.026), with high-performance athletes exhibiting the highest prevalence of androgyny (44%). Androgynous individuals reported significantly higher self-esteem and well-being compared to undifferentiated and feminine groups (p<0.001), regardless of their sport participation level. No significant differences in basal testosterone levels were observed across gender role orientations or sport performance groups (p>0.05), reinforcing that psychological androgyny is a psychosocial construct independent of baseline hormonal markers.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that psychological androgyny serves as a robust internal resource that supports mental health and resilience in women. Since these psychological benefits persist across all levels of physical activity, fostering gender role flexibility within sports environments may be a meaningful strategy to enhance athlete well-being and adaptive functioning.