Despite theoretical postulations that individuals' conformity to masculine norms is differentially related to mental health-related outcomes depending on a variety of contexts, there has not been any systematic synthesis of the empirical research on this topic. Therefore, the authors of this study conducted meta-analyses of the relationships between conformity to masculine norms (as measured by the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-94 and other versions of this scale) and mental health-related outcomes using 78 samples and 19,453 participants. Conformity to masculine norms was modestly and unfavorably associated with mental health as well as moderately and unfavorably related to psychological help seeking. The authors also identified several moderation effects. Conformity to masculine norms was more strongly correlated with negative social functioning than with psychological indicators of negative mental health. Conformity to the specific masculine norms of self-reliance, power over women, and playboy were unfavorably, robustly, and consistently related to mental health-related outcomes, whereas conformity to the masculine norm of primacy of work was not significantly related to any mental health-related outcome. These findings highlight the need for researchers to disaggregate the generic construct of conformity to masculine norms and to focus instead on specific dimensions of masculine norms and their differential associations with other outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record

No abstract

The underrepresentation of Black men in professional psychology represents a critical issue, but this topic has received relatively limited coverage in the extant literature. Given the complex challenges facing many Black communities, we contend that increasing the number of African American male professional psychologists represents one component of the multi-pronged plan to tackle these problems. However, there is a dearth of scholarship that explicitly highlights the potential contributions Black men can make to professional psychology, particularly those with an African/Black psychology lens. We address this gap by exploring the impact of increasing the number of Black male professional psychologists. We detail the contributions Black male psychologists can make in clinical, academic, and research settings, with a particular focus on how their work can affect outcomes for Black boys and men in these three settings. Embedded in our analysis, we highlight the need to incorporate an African/Black psychology lens to address the needs of Black communities. We also examine how the increased presence of Black male professional psychologists can potentially influence other Black men to consider and enter the field. This information will be of particular interest to educators, researchers, and practitioners invested in enhancing the professional psychology pipeline for Black men.

No abstract

Meeting the mental health needs of black children will take more than just increasing access to mental health services and early identification. It also will require a critical evaluation of the practices and models being used to diagnose and treat mental health concerns. Frameworks have been established that use a positive, strengths-based, culturally appropriate approach in working with black children and adolescents. These models recognize that while black youth go through the same developmental processes as nonblack youth (e.g., puberty, identity, and maturation), culture and context play a unique role in their lives. School-based mental health clinics, wellness centers, and using peers as first responders are all proven solutions to help improve the mental health of not only black students but all students.