BackgroundMen are disproportionately often perpetrators of physical domestic violence (DV). Gender role constructs, such as traditional masculinity ideologies (TMI), are broadly accepted as an explanation for this effect. Emotional competence further constitutes an important role in TMI and the prevention of DV. However, the interactions between these constructs remains unclear.ObjectiveThe present study aims to investigate associations of TMI with aggression, DV perpetration, and emotional competence, while also examining emotional competence as a potential moderator.MethodA sample of 428 cisgender men (Mage = 43.9 ± 15.3) from German-speaking countries in Europe completed an anonymous online survey that assessed TMI, aggression, and DV perpetration as well as alexithymia, emotion regulation, and self-compassion as indicators of emotional competence.ResultsStrong TMI were associated with high levels of aggression and overall reduced emotional competence, as reflected by high levels of alexithymia, frequent use of expressive suppression, and low levels of self-compassion. Strong conformity to TMI was associated with a higher likelihood for DV perpetration when considering relevant sociodemographic covariates. Moderation analyses revealed that expressive suppression buffered the association between TMI and DV perpetration.ConclusionMen with strong TMI report high levels of aggression and impaired emotional competence. While strong conformity to TMI was associated with more frequent perpetration of DV, higher expressive suppression seems to buffer the association between TMI and DV perpetration. The present study highlights the importance of addressing gender ideologies when working on aggression, DV perpetration and emotional competence in men.

Background: Men are disproportionately often perpetrators of physical domestic violence (DV).Gender role constructs, such as traditional masculinity ideologies (TMI), are broadly accepted as anexplanation for this effect. Emotional competence further constitutes an important role in TMI andthe prevention of DV. However, the interactions between these constructs remains unclear.Objective: The present study aims to investigate associations of TMI with aggression, DVperpetration, and emotional competence, while also examining emotional competence as a potentialmoderator.Method: A sample of 428 cisgender men (Mage = 43.9 ± 15.3) from German-speaking countries inEurope completed an anonymous online survey that assessed TMI, aggression, and DV perpetrationas well as alexithymia, emotion regulation, and self-compassion as indicators of emotionalcompetence.Results: Strong TMI were associated with high levels of aggression and overall reduced emotionalcompetence, as reflected by high levels of alexithymia, frequent use of expressive suppression, andlow levels of self-compassion. Strong conformity to TMI was associated with a higher likelihood forDV perpetration when considering relevant sociodemographic covariates. Moderation analysesrevealed that expressive suppression buffered the association between TMI and DV perpetration.Conclusions: Men with strong TMI report high levels of aggression and impaired emotionalcompetence. While strong conformity to TMI was associated with frequent perpetration of DV,higher expressive suppression seems to buffer the association between TMI and DV perpetration.The present study highlights the importance of addressing gender ideologies when working onaggression, DV perpetration and emotional competence in men.

Because artificial intelligence powered language models such as ChatGPT have most certainly come to stay and will permanently change the way individuals all over the world access information and form opinions, there is a need to highlight potential risks for the understanding and perception of men and masculinities. It is important to understand whether ChatGPT is biased – and if so, in which direction and to which degree. In the specific research field on men and masculinities, it seems paramount to understand the grounds upon which this language model responds to seemingly simple questions such as "What is a man?" or "What is masculine?". In the following, we provide interactions with ChatGPT where we asked such questions, in an effort to better understand the quality and potential biases of the answers from ChatGPT. We then critically reflect on the output by ChatGPT and draw conclusions for future actions.

Background: Increasing prevalence rates for suicidal ideation among university students call for better understanding of critical risk factors. Because of traditional masculinity ideologies (TMI; socially defined sets of standards and norms how men are expected to be or behave), men are less likely to report suicidal ideation but up to four times more likely to die by suicide. Establishing low-threshold risk factors to identify suicidal ideation among male students at an early stage is paramount. Study dropout thoughts, due to a particular relationship with TMI, could be one such risk factor. The present study therefore examines the relationship between study dropout thoughts and suicidal ideation as well as gender-differences in risk patterns. Methods: A total of N = 4894 German university students (24.6% men) completed a cross-sectional online survey on mental health at the University of Cologne. A first part of the survey consisted of sociodemographic and study related questions (e.g., study dropout thoughts). In the second part psychological syndromes (any psychological syndrome, depressive syndrome, alcohol syndrome), life stressors and suicidal ideation were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire D (PHQ-D). Results: Male university students expressed study dropout thoughts more frequently than female students, while for both genders study dropout thoughts were associated with increased suicidal ideation. Significant gender-differences were observed for all outcomes, with financial stress and a recent bad experience being risk factors for suicidal ideation in men but not women. Relationship problems, problems at work, and current psychotherapy use were associated with increased suicidal ideation in women but not in men. Conclusions: In the University context, study dropout thoughts are expressed often, especially by male students. Given that study dropout thoughts are associated with suicidal ideation and that male-specific risk patterns for suicidal ideation have been identified, men who report thoughts of dropping out of studies or experience financial stress should be screened for suicidality and mental health problems. Future prevention measures in the University context should consider study dropout thoughts and male-specific risk-patterns to increase chances for detection of male students at risk for suicide and to improve the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs specifically targeting men.