Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory and Development of the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-46

The Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI; Mahalik et al., 2003) has proven to be an important tool in advancing the study of masculinity. The authors of the present study conducted the first factor analysis of the CMNI since its creation and also developed a short form of the measure to facilitate its broader utility. Confirmatory factor analysis of data from 229 men supported nine of the originally proposed CMNI factors, but also suggested the removal of two factors (Dominance and Pursuit of Status) that demonstrated relatively poor construct specificity, low factor loadings, and weak reliability coefficients in this study and in prior research. The data also supported elimination of low-loading items from other factors, resulting in an abbreviated version of the CMNI with improved model tit, acceptable reliability coefficients, and high correlations with corresponding original-form subscales. The CMNI-46 is discussed as an efficient tool for assessing men's conformity to masculine norms.