Psychometric properties of the Ambivalence towards Men Inventory and the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory in a university sample from Bolivia.

BACKGROUND

Ambivalent sexism refers to the coexistence of both hostile and benevolent attitudes towards men and women. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the abbreviated versions of the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) and the Ambivalence towards Men Inventory (AMI), thereby providing more parsimonious tools for research in social psychology.

METHOD: The sample comprised 2216 volunteer students (53.1% women and 46.9% men) who had been in a romantic relationship within the past twelve months. Participants completed the Likert-type scales, and the data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

RESULTS

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the expected two-factor structures of both inventories. The scales demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity, and evidence of measurement invariance across sex. Although some modifications were required for the AMI, the final models showed adequate psychometric performance.

CONCLUSIONS

The abbreviated ASI and AMI represent psychometrically sound instruments for assessing ambivalent sexism in Bolivian university students. The findings support their use in future research examining attitudes towards women and men within this sociocultural context.