The Role of Daily Stressors and Masculine Values on Mexican Adolescent Aggression

We examined associations between daily stressors and the masculine values of machismo (i.e., hypermasculinity) and caballerismo (i.e., chivalry) in Mexican adolescent verbal and physical aggression. We also explored whether machismo and caballerismo moderated the association between stressors and aggression among boys and girls. Mexican adolescents (N = 724; 48% girls; M_age = 14.74, SD = 1.80) completed a paper and pencil survey in their classroom. We used a series of structural equation models to test hypotheses. As expected, adolescents who perceived more stressors in the areas of home life, school performance, teacher interactions, peer and financial stress also reported more aggression. Moreover, more machismo was associated with more aggression, and caballerismo was associated with less aggression. In contrast to our predictions, more school performance stressors were associated with more aggression, but only for girls low in machismo. Thus, both daily stressors and machismo are linked to aggression. In some cases, however, machismo may buffer the effect of stressors on aggression. This study is correlational, and its generalizability is limited. Despite these limitations, this study highlights the role of stressors and masculine values on aggression in Mexican adolescents. Findings may guide the development of schools' intervention efforts to help regulate students' aggressive behaviour.