Unveiling the Associations Between Internalized Heteronormativity With Heterosexual Self-Presentation and Heterosexual Marital Intention: The Role of Masculinity Contingency

Abstract

Previous research revealed that internalized heteronormativity was positively associated with the concealment of sexual orientation, but studies rarely examined the association between internalized heteronormativity and one’s concern and intention to construct a false heterosexual identity and whether threat and boost aspects of masculinity contingency would moderate their relationships. A total of 164 Chinese gay, bisexual, queer/questioning men (90.9% gay, 6.1% bisexual, and 3% queer/questioning; age: M = 25.88, SD = 6.38) participated in this cross-sectional study. These participants completed a battery of measures assessing internalized heteronormativity, masculinity contingency threat and boost, heterosexual self-presentation, and heterosexual marital intentions. Internalized heteronormativity, masculinity contingency threat, and masculinity contingency boost were positively correlated with heterosexual self-presentation and heterosexual marital intentions. Masculinity contingency threat emerged as a moderator intensifying the relationship between internalized heteronormativity and heterosexual self-presentation, while masculinity contingency boost played a moderating role in amplifying the relationship between internalized heteronormativity and heterosexual marital intentions. Specifically, the associations between internalized heteronormativity with heterosexual self-presentation and heterosexual marital intentions were respectively significant when sexual minority men had high levels of masculinity contingency threat and masculinity contingency boost, whereas such relationships became nonsignificant for those with moderate or low levels of masculinity contingency threat and boost. In response to internalized heteronormativity, Chinese sexual minority men with high levels of masculinity contingency threat or boost may adopt unique strategies to construct a false heterosexual persona.