These Traits Predict Inceldom (2022 Study Review)

Summary

This video discusses a recent psychological study examining factors associated with 'inceldom' among 129 men. The study reveals that social dominance orientation, anti-egalitarianism, and high social anxiety are linked to this group. Incels scored lower on self-esteem, assertiveness, and willingness to approach women, which may negatively impact dating outcomes. The video also highlights the correlation between lower education levels and inceldom, suggesting that personality traits and social factors significantly contribute to relationship difficulties.

Takeaways

• 📊 The study analyzed personality traits and behaviors of 129 men, a large sample size in psychology, to generalize findings with a margin of error of about 2-3%.
• 🧑 The sample was predominantly white (83%), young men with a mean age of 25, indicating a focus on this demographic.
• 🚩 Social dominance orientation and anti-egalitarianism were found to be strong predictors of inceldom, with high scores on these measures correlating to a 90% similarity.
• 🤔 Incels scored higher on measures of shyness and social anxiety, suggesting a reluctance or inability to approach women.
• 💔 Incels reported lower sexual optimism, viewing relationships and women as less trustworthy and desirable.
• 🙅‍♂️ Incels were less likely to approach or ask women out, which could be attributed to their shyness and low sexual optimism.
• 😓 High social anxiety in incels could contribute to their avoidance of social interactions and dating attempts.
• 🔻 Incels exhibited lower self-esteem and assertiveness, which could hinder their confidence and approachability.
• 🏫 Incels tend to have lower levels of education, being less likely to be in school full-time and having lower educational attainment overall.
• 🧠 Education level is a significant factor in attractiveness and relationship outcomes, with higher education correlating with better relationship success.
• 🔗 The study highlights a convergence of personality traits and lower education levels that put incels at a disadvantage in dating and forming relationships.

Q & A

What is the sample size considered to be in the study discussed by Alexander?

The sample size in the study is 129 men, which is considered a large sample in Psychology as the medium sample size is about 80 people.

What percentage of the sample in the study is white, and what is the mean age of the participants?

83 percent of the sample were white, and the mean age of the participants is 25 with a standard deviation of seven.

What does social dominance orientation represent, and how is it related to incel communities?

Social dominance orientation represents an endorsement of hierarchy and a tooth and nail struggle in society. It is closely related to incel communities as incels tend to score higher in this measure, indicating a preference for social hierarchy and strict rules where the strong dominate the weak.

How is anti-egalitarianism defined, and what does it suggest about the incel community?

Anti-egalitarianism is a measure of opposition to social egalitarianism. It suggests that incels are more likely to oppose social equality, which is consistent with their higher scores on this measure.

What does the willingness to date scale actually measure, and how does it relate to incels?

The willingness to date scale is intended to measure shyness rather than actual willingness to date. Incels score higher on this scale, indicating that they are much more shy and less likely to approach or ask women out.

What is sexual optimism, and how does it differ between incels and non-incels?

Sexual optimism is a measure of how desirable one views relationships. Incels tend to score lower on this scale, viewing relationships more negatively and women as less trustworthy compared to non-incels.

How does shyness and low sexual optimism affect an incel's approach towards women?

Shyness and low sexual optimism make incels less likely to approach women or ask them out, which can negatively impact their dating outcomes.

What is the role of social anxiety in the incel community, and how does it impact their dating prospects?

Social anxiety is higher among incels, contributing to their inability or unwillingness to approach women. This personality trait can negatively affect their dating prospects by making it difficult for them to initiate contact with women.

How do self-esteem and assertiveness levels differ between incels and non-incels, and what implications does this have?

Incels tend to have lower self-esteem and assertiveness compared to non-incels. This can directly impact their ability and willingness to approach women, and may also make them less attractive to women.

What is the relationship between education level and attractiveness or relationship outcomes?

Higher education levels are associated with better relationship outcomes and are considered attractive traits. Women generally prefer men with higher education and income, which puts incels at a disadvantage due to their lower education levels.

What are some of the personality traits and constructs that were found to be less attractive to women and associated with incels?

Some of the less attractive traits to women associated with incels include high social dominance orientation, high anti-egalitarianism, high shyness, low self-esteem, low assertiveness, high social anxiety, and low willingness to approach women.

What does the study suggest about the correlation between education level and relationship outcomes?

The study suggests that higher education levels are linked to better relationship outcomes. For example, having a bachelor's degree can reduce divorce rates, and advanced degrees can further decrease them.