Thekla Morgenroth
Datos Biográficos
| ID | 1663313 |
|---|---|
| NOMBRE | Thekla Morgenroth |
| NOMBRES | Thekla |
| APELLIDO | Morgenroth |
| FIRMA | MORGENROTH T |
| AFILIACIONES | Purdue University West Lafayette |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-9876-5017 |
| VERIFICADO | Sí |
| TOTAL DE OBRAS | 34 |
| TOTAL DE CITAS | 153 |
| TOTAL COMO AUTOR | 34 |
| TOTAL COMO EDITOR | 0 |
| PRIMER AÑO DE PUBLICACIÓN | 2015 |
| AÑO MÁS RECIENTE DE PUBLICACIÓN | 2026 |
| ÍNDICE H | 6 |
Scores
Free-text responses are a crucial part of psychological research, enabling participants to respond without bias toward a predefined set of answers. Unfortunately, many established methods for analyzing such responses require extensive manual coding, which is time- and resource-intensive. To address this issue, automatic-processing methods based on word embeddings and clustering techniques have been proposed. In this article, we introduce SCORES (…
Prioritizing Work or Family? Investigating Women’s and Men’s Work-Family Decisions
Despite societal change, women and men still differ in the extent to which they prioritize work and family. Women more often reduce work hours or adjust careers to prioritize family needs, whereas men more often work overtime or decline family responsibilities to advance their careers. This study tested two possible explanations, that women and men differ in (1) how they perceive the costs and benefits of prioritizing work versus family; and (2) …
Perceptions of asexuality among LGBTQ+ individuals
The Hidden Costs of Authority Transfer Relationships
Heteronormative definitions of sex
The strategic use of harm-based moral arguments in the context of women’s bodily autonomy
Women's bodies have long been the subject of restrictive policies and practices, and the discourse on whether or not these are justified often focuses on a universal moral concern: harm. But are those arguing for or against restrictions on women's bodily autonomy truly as concerned about harm as they claim or is harm also used strategically? In seven studies (total N = 3,431), we find that concerns about harm are a common theme in the discourse a…
The Moralization of Women's Bodies
Women's bodies have long been subject to societal control. We examine a form of gender/sex bias that may be used to justify and maintain such control: the moralization of women's bodies. Across two studies with US samples (total N = 805), we show that people draw more strongly on morality when justifying their views about women's (vs. men's) autonomy over their bodies. Study 1 showed that a wide range of body‐related behaviours were seen as more …
Language about gender/sex should be used intentionally and flexibly
In their paper, 'Conceptualizing transgender experiences in psychology: Do we have a 'true' gender?' Jackson and Bussey (British Journal of Psychology, 115, 723) critique the idea of having a 'true' gender and propose that the term 'transgender experience' may be more appropriate than 'transgender identity'. In this commentary, I reflect on the usefulness of the terms transgender identity and transgender experience and argue that both hold value …
What Underlies the Opposition to Trans-Inclusive Policies? The Role of Concerns About Male Violence Versus Attitudes Toward Trans People
Transgender women’s access to women-only spaces is controversial. Arguments against trans-inclusive policies often focus on cisgender women’s safety from male violence, despite little evidence to suggest that such policies put cisgender women at risk. Across seven studies using U.S. and U.K. participants ( N = 3,864), we investigate whether concerns about male violence versus attitudes toward trans people are a better predictor of support for tra…
Sexual Consent Norms in a Sexually Diverse Sample
Sexual consent has received increased attention in mainstream media, educational, and political settings since the rise of the #MeToo movement in 2017. However, long before #MeToo, sexual consent has been a core practice among people who engage in Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism, and Masochism (BDSM). This study examined sexual consent norms among a sexually diverse sample, including people who practice BDSM ( n = 116), p…
Predictors and Implications of Parents’ Beliefs About the Age Appropriateness of LGBTQ+ Topics for Children
U.S. policies increasingly limit lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another marginalized gender identity or sexual orientation (LGBTQ +) education topics for children under the guise of age-appropriate curriculum, placing the responsibility of educating children about LGBTQ + identities and experiences on parents. We examined parents’ beliefs about the age-appropriateness of LGBTQ + topics for children, with implications for parent–ch…
Gender Nonconformity Leads to Identity Denial for Cisgender and Transgender Individuals
In modern Western cultures, gender is largely viewed as binary, and individuals who challenge the gender/sex binary face discrimination and marginalization. Across three preregistered studies ( N = 1,096), we examine gender discrimination against gender-nonconforming people. Studies 1 and 2 show that behavioral and appearance-based gender nonconformity leads to the misgendering of cisgender and transgender women and men. This was true for the gen…
The Contradictory Nature of Anti-Transgender Rhetoric
Transgender rights are a polarizing topic. When examining the rhetoric used by those opposed to transgender rights, it often seems like their arguments contradict each other (e.g., claiming that transgender people are a negligible minority but simultaneously “taking over”). One explanation for this contradiction could be that different arguments are endorsed by different people. However, across 4 studies ( N = 2,159), we consistently find a posit…
Dissecting Whiteness
Morgenroth T, Begeny CT, Kirby TA, Paaßen B, Zeng Y. Dissecting Whiteness: consistencies and differences in the stereotypes of lower- and upper-class White US Americans. Self and Identity . 2024;23(1-2):70-94
Sex Wars and Terf Wars
The influence of essentialist and social constructionist notions on perceptions of “realness”
Essentialism is an ontological belief that social groups share underlying “essences,” while social constructionism suggests social groups are formed and upheld by cultural understandings. We aim to highlight that essentialist and social constructionist beliefs regarding LGBTIQ+ identities underlie psychological evaluations of whether an LGBTIQ+ identity is real (social recognition of existence). These evaluations have tangible consequences for LG…
Gender essentialism and benevolent sexism in anti‐trans rhetoric
The past half‐decade has seen an exponential rise in proposed and debated anti‐trans legislation in the United States. These bills are often positioned at the center of divisive political debates between Republicans (who typically support these laws) and Democrats (who typically do not). In the process of discussing these debates, there has been widespread dissemination of anti‐trans rhetoric that has the potential to impact public opinion. In th…
The Gendered Consequences of Risk-Taking at Work
Women are seen as more risk-avoidant in the workplace, and some have argued that this contributes to occupational gender gaps. Across two correlational and three experimental studies (total N = 2280), we examined the role of consequences of workplace risk-taking in determining the likelihood of taking future risks at work. We found no evidence for overall gender differences in initial risk-taking, and women and men anticipated similar consequence…
Bisexual erasure
Bisexual individuals face identity denial and erasure and qualitative analyses suggest that it may be gendered, such that people stereotype bisexual women as truly heterosexual and bisexual men as truly gay. Across three studies (total N = 787), we examined perceptions of bisexual targets’ attraction patterns. Participants rated the attraction of either a female or male bisexual target to both the same gender/sex and opposite gender/sex. An inter…
The Effects of Gender Trouble
In the Western world, gender has traditionally been viewed as binary and as following directly from biological sex. This view is slowly changing among both experts and the general public, a change that has been met with strong opposition. In this article, we explore the psychological processes underlying these dynamics. Drawing on previous work on gender performativity as well as gender as a performance, we develop a psychological framework of th…
Testing the motivational effects of attainable role models
The motivational theory of role modeling proposes motivational processes as critical mechanisms through which attainable role models can increase role aspirants' adoption of more ambitious goals. We conducted four studies to empirically test this proposition with role aspirants and their role models in field and experimental settings (total N = 2,165). Results provide empirical support for motivational processes of role modelling. Together they d…
Defending the Sex/Gender Binary
In the Western world, gender/sex is traditionally viewed as binary, with people falling into one of two categories: male or female. This view of gender/sex has started to change, triggering some resistance. This research investigates psychological mechanisms underlying that resistance. Study 1 ( N = 489, UK) explored the role of individual gender identification in defense of, and attempts to reinforce, the gender/sex binary. Study 2 ( N = 415, Sw…
Born this Way–or Not? The Relationship Between Essentialism and Sexual Minorities’ LGBTQ+ Identification and Belonging
Not quite over the rainbow
Heteronormative ideology refers to the belief that there are two separate and opposing genders with associated natural roles that match their assigned sex, and that heterosexuality is a given. It is pervasive and persistent, carrying negative consequences. Because it is embedded in societal institutions and propagated through socialization and other widely held ideologies, it is prevalent among both cis-hetero and LGBTQI+ individuals. In the curr…
The Gendered Nature and Malleability of Gamer Stereotypes
Video gaming is seen as a male space. Female gamers are seen as atypical, have their competence challenged, and face more harassment than male gamers do. This precarious position is increasingly problematic as video gaming is now one of the most prevalent leisure activities, providing an opportunity to both forge and maintain friendships, and to achieve social status and career opportunities. We argue that the marginalization of female gamers is …
What is a True Gamer? The Male Gamer Stereotype and the Marginalization of Women in Video Game Culture
The who, when, and why of the glass cliff phenomenon
Women and members of other underrepresented groups who break through the glass ceiling often find themselves in precarious leadership positions, a phenomenon that has been termed the glass cliff. The glass cliff has been investigated in a range of domains using various methodologies, but evidence is mixed. In 3 meta-analyses, we examined (a) archival field studies testing whether members of underrepresented groups, compared with members of majori…
Should I stay or should I go? Implications of maternity leave choice for perceptions of working mothers
Gender essentialism and benevolent sexism in anti‐trans rhetoric
The past half‐decade has seen an exponential rise in proposed and debated anti‐trans legislation in the United States. These bills are often positioned at the center of divisive political debates between Republicans (who typically support these laws) and Democrats (who typically do not). In the process of discussing these debates, there has been widespread dissemination of anti‐trans rhetoric that has the potential to impact public opinion. In th…
Bisexual erasure
Bisexual individuals face identity denial and erasure and qualitative analyses suggest that it may be gendered, such that people stereotype bisexual women as truly heterosexual and bisexual men as truly gay. Across three studies (total N = 787), we examined perceptions of bisexual targets’ attraction patterns. Participants rated the attraction of either a female or male bisexual target to both the same gender/sex and opposite gender/sex. An inter…
The influence of essentialist and social constructionist notions on perceptions of “realness”
Essentialism is an ontological belief that social groups share underlying “essences,” while social constructionism suggests social groups are formed and upheld by cultural understandings. We aim to highlight that essentialist and social constructionist beliefs regarding LGBTIQ+ identities underlie psychological evaluations of whether an LGBTIQ+ identity is real (social recognition of existence). These evaluations have tangible consequences for LG…
The Gendered Consequences of Risk-Taking at Work
Women are seen as more risk-avoidant in the workplace, and some have argued that this contributes to occupational gender gaps. Across two correlational and three experimental studies (total N = 2280), we examined the role of consequences of workplace risk-taking in determining the likelihood of taking future risks at work. We found no evidence for overall gender differences in initial risk-taking, and women and men anticipated similar consequence…
Born this Way–or Not? The Relationship Between Essentialism and Sexual Minorities’ LGBTQ+ Identification and Belonging
A comprehensive measure of attitudes and behaviour
In this article, we develop and validate the 16‐item Support for Gender Equality among Men Scale across four studies. Drawing on exploratory (Study 1, n = 322) and confirmatory (Study 2, n = 358; Study 4, n = 192) factor analysis, we determine a two‐factor structure: public and domestic support for gender equality. In Study 3 ( n = 146) and Study 4, we validate the scale by establishing its relationship with, among others, several prominent measu…
The Moralization of Women's Bodies
Women's bodies have long been subject to societal control. We examine a form of gender/sex bias that may be used to justify and maintain such control: the moralization of women's bodies. Across two studies with US samples (total N = 805), we show that people draw more strongly on morality when justifying their views about women's (vs. men's) autonomy over their bodies. Study 1 showed that a wide range of body‐related behaviours were seen as more …
Language about gender/sex should be used intentionally and flexibly
In their paper, 'Conceptualizing transgender experiences in psychology: Do we have a 'true' gender?' Jackson and Bussey (British Journal of Psychology, 115, 723) critique the idea of having a 'true' gender and propose that the term 'transgender experience' may be more appropriate than 'transgender identity'. In this commentary, I reflect on the usefulness of the terms transgender identity and transgender experience and argue that both hold value …
Addressing gender inequality
Despite many positive changes in terms of gender equality in recent decades, women remain underrepresented in positions of power and prestige, and continue to shoulder disproportionate amounts of unpaid domestic labor. This special issue brings together an examination of the different ways in which gender inequality can be addressed, the efficacy of such approaches, and the consequences these approaches can have. In this introduction to the speci…
Superstars are not necessarily role models
There is a general assumption that we choose role models from the ranks of those who have demonstrated extraordinary competence. However, the person perception literature supports the expectation that morality may also matter, and that we may be most likely to role model competent individuals if we also believe that they have good moral character. To test this possibility, we conducted four studies of adults’ role modeling of workplace supervisor…
The Motivational Theory of Role Modeling
Role models are often suggested as a way of motivating individuals to set and achieve ambitious goals, especially for members of stigmatized groups in achievement settings. Yet, the literature on role models tends not to draw on the motivational literature to explain how role models may help role aspirants achieve these outcomes. In this paper, we introduce role aspirants and their motivational processes into an understanding of role modeling by …
Getting on top of the glass cliff
What is a True Gamer? The Male Gamer Stereotype and the Marginalization of Women in Video Game Culture
Should I stay or should I go? Implications of maternity leave choice for perceptions of working mothers
Sex, Drugs, and Reckless Driving
We investigated whether risk-taking measures inadvertently focus on behaviors that are more normative for men, resulting in the overestimation of gender differences. Using a popular measure of risk-taking (Domain-Specific Risk-Taking) in Study 1 ( N = 99), we found that conventionally used behaviors were more normative for men, while, overall, newly developed behaviors were not. In Studies 2 ( N = 114) and 3 ( N = 124), we demonstrate that differ…
Addressing gender inequality
Despite many positive changes in terms of gender equality in recent decades, women remain underrepresented in positions of power and prestige, and continue to shoulder disproportionate amounts of unpaid domestic labor. This special issue brings together an examination of the different ways in which gender inequality can be addressed, the efficacy of such approaches, and the consequences these approaches can have. In this introduction to the speci…
Superstars are not necessarily role models
There is a general assumption that we choose role models from the ranks of those who have demonstrated extraordinary competence. However, the person perception literature supports the expectation that morality may also matter, and that we may be most likely to role model competent individuals if we also believe that they have good moral character. To test this possibility, we conducted four studies of adults’ role modeling of workplace supervisor…
Not quite over the rainbow
Heteronormative ideology refers to the belief that there are two separate and opposing genders with associated natural roles that match their assigned sex, and that heterosexuality is a given. It is pervasive and persistent, carrying negative consequences. Because it is embedded in societal institutions and propagated through socialization and other widely held ideologies, it is prevalent among both cis-hetero and LGBTQI+ individuals. In the curr…
The Gendered Nature and Malleability of Gamer Stereotypes
Video gaming is seen as a male space. Female gamers are seen as atypical, have their competence challenged, and face more harassment than male gamers do. This precarious position is increasingly problematic as video gaming is now one of the most prevalent leisure activities, providing an opportunity to both forge and maintain friendships, and to achieve social status and career opportunities. We argue that the marginalization of female gamers is …
A comprehensive measure of attitudes and behaviour
In this article, we develop and validate the 16‐item Support for Gender Equality among Men Scale across four studies. Drawing on exploratory (Study 1, n = 322) and confirmatory (Study 2, n = 358; Study 4, n = 192) factor analysis, we determine a two‐factor structure: public and domestic support for gender equality. In Study 3 ( n = 146) and Study 4, we validate the scale by establishing its relationship with, among others, several prominent measu…
The who, when, and why of the glass cliff phenomenon
Women and members of other underrepresented groups who break through the glass ceiling often find themselves in precarious leadership positions, a phenomenon that has been termed the glass cliff. The glass cliff has been investigated in a range of domains using various methodologies, but evidence is mixed. In 3 meta-analyses, we examined (a) archival field studies testing whether members of underrepresented groups, compared with members of majori…
The Effects of Gender Trouble
In the Western world, gender has traditionally been viewed as binary and as following directly from biological sex. This view is slowly changing among both experts and the general public, a change that has been met with strong opposition. In this article, we explore the psychological processes underlying these dynamics. Drawing on previous work on gender performativity as well as gender as a performance, we develop a psychological framework of th…
Testing the motivational effects of attainable role models
The motivational theory of role modeling proposes motivational processes as critical mechanisms through which attainable role models can increase role aspirants' adoption of more ambitious goals. We conducted four studies to empirically test this proposition with role aspirants and their role models in field and experimental settings (total N = 2,165). Results provide empirical support for motivational processes of role modelling. Together they d…
Defending the Sex/Gender Binary
In the Western world, gender/sex is traditionally viewed as binary, with people falling into one of two categories: male or female. This view of gender/sex has started to change, triggering some resistance. This research investigates psychological mechanisms underlying that resistance. Study 1 ( N = 489, UK) explored the role of individual gender identification in defense of, and attempts to reinforce, the gender/sex binary. Study 2 ( N = 415, Sw…
Born this Way–or Not? The Relationship Between Essentialism and Sexual Minorities’ LGBTQ+ Identification and Belonging
The Gendered Consequences of Risk-Taking at Work
Women are seen as more risk-avoidant in the workplace, and some have argued that this contributes to occupational gender gaps. Across two correlational and three experimental studies (total N = 2280), we examined the role of consequences of workplace risk-taking in determining the likelihood of taking future risks at work. We found no evidence for overall gender differences in initial risk-taking, and women and men anticipated similar consequence…
Bisexual erasure
Bisexual individuals face identity denial and erasure and qualitative analyses suggest that it may be gendered, such that people stereotype bisexual women as truly heterosexual and bisexual men as truly gay. Across three studies (total N = 787), we examined perceptions of bisexual targets’ attraction patterns. Participants rated the attraction of either a female or male bisexual target to both the same gender/sex and opposite gender/sex. An inter…
Gender essentialism and benevolent sexism in anti‐trans rhetoric
The past half‐decade has seen an exponential rise in proposed and debated anti‐trans legislation in the United States. These bills are often positioned at the center of divisive political debates between Republicans (who typically support these laws) and Democrats (who typically do not). In the process of discussing these debates, there has been widespread dissemination of anti‐trans rhetoric that has the potential to impact public opinion. In th…
What Underlies the Opposition to Trans-Inclusive Policies? The Role of Concerns About Male Violence Versus Attitudes Toward Trans People
Transgender women’s access to women-only spaces is controversial. Arguments against trans-inclusive policies often focus on cisgender women’s safety from male violence, despite little evidence to suggest that such policies put cisgender women at risk. Across seven studies using U.S. and U.K. participants ( N = 3,864), we investigate whether concerns about male violence versus attitudes toward trans people are a better predictor of support for tra…
Sexual Consent Norms in a Sexually Diverse Sample
Sexual consent has received increased attention in mainstream media, educational, and political settings since the rise of the #MeToo movement in 2017. However, long before #MeToo, sexual consent has been a core practice among people who engage in Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism, and Masochism (BDSM). This study examined sexual consent norms among a sexually diverse sample, including people who practice BDSM ( n = 116), p…
Predictors and Implications of Parents’ Beliefs About the Age Appropriateness of LGBTQ+ Topics for Children
U.S. policies increasingly limit lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another marginalized gender identity or sexual orientation (LGBTQ +) education topics for children under the guise of age-appropriate curriculum, placing the responsibility of educating children about LGBTQ + identities and experiences on parents. We examined parents’ beliefs about the age-appropriateness of LGBTQ + topics for children, with implications for parent–ch…
Gender Nonconformity Leads to Identity Denial for Cisgender and Transgender Individuals
In modern Western cultures, gender is largely viewed as binary, and individuals who challenge the gender/sex binary face discrimination and marginalization. Across three preregistered studies ( N = 1,096), we examine gender discrimination against gender-nonconforming people. Studies 1 and 2 show that behavioral and appearance-based gender nonconformity leads to the misgendering of cisgender and transgender women and men. This was true for the gen…
The Contradictory Nature of Anti-Transgender Rhetoric
Transgender rights are a polarizing topic. When examining the rhetoric used by those opposed to transgender rights, it often seems like their arguments contradict each other (e.g., claiming that transgender people are a negligible minority but simultaneously “taking over”). One explanation for this contradiction could be that different arguments are endorsed by different people. However, across 4 studies ( N = 2,159), we consistently find a posit…
Dissecting Whiteness
Morgenroth T, Begeny CT, Kirby TA, Paaßen B, Zeng Y. Dissecting Whiteness: consistencies and differences in the stereotypes of lower- and upper-class White US Americans. Self and Identity . 2024;23(1-2):70-94
Sex Wars and Terf Wars
Psychology (28 obras) · Social Psychology (25 obras) · Developmental psychology (12 obras) · Sociology (12 obras) · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy (11 obras) · Social and Intergroup Psychology (11 obras) · Gender Studies (10 obras) · Political science (10 obras) · Gender Diversity and Inequality (9 obras) · Social Psychology (9 obras)