Complex Relationships Among Masculine Norms and Health/Well-Being Outcomes: Correlation Patterns of the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory Subscales

Abstract

The Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI) is a widely used multidimensional scale. Studies using the CMNI most often report only total scale scores, which are predominantly associated with negative outcomes. Various studies since the CMNI’s inception in 2003 using subscales have reported both positive and negative outcomes. The current content analysis examined studies (N = 17) correlating the 11 subscales with 63 criterion variables across 7 categories. Most findings were consistent with past research using total scale scores that reported negative outcomes. For example, conformity to masculine norms has been inversely related to help-seeking and positively correlated with concerning health variables, such as substance use. Nonetheless, past reliance on total scores has obscured the complexity of associations with the CMNI in that 30% of the findings in the present study reflected positive outcomes, particularly for health promotion. Subscales differed in their relationships with various outcomes: for one subscale they were predominantly positive, but six others were mostly negative. The situational and contextual implications of conformity to masculine norms and their relationships to positive and negative outcomes are discussed.

Gender Norms, Roles and Relations and Cannabis-Use Patterns: A Scoping Review

“…Several correlational studies examined the relationship between adherence to gender norms and cannabis use, reporting an association between measures of masculinity (specifically, male typicality) and cannabis use [20,30]. Most research on adherence to dominant masculine norms or male typicality and health behaviours has reported a negative effect on measures of health, including higher rates of substance use and dependence [22]. However, the relationship between gender norms and behaviours, including those surrounding substance use, is complex.…”

“…The majority of research on gender norms and substance use has examined adherence to hegemonic gender norms, and particularly masculine norms. For example, the dominant masculine norms from the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI) of "risk taking" and "playboy" have been strongly associated with heavy alcohol use [22,23]. Having said this, Everitt-Penhale and Ratele critique the notion of a single traditional masculinity, arguing that "traditional masculinity" varies by class, race, ethnicity and geographic context.…”

Investigating the role of psychological flexibility, masculine self‐esteem and stoicism as predictors of psychological distress and quality of life in men living with prostate cancer

“…It has been linked with reduced health-seeking behaviour, because asking for help can be viewed as weakness (Pathak et al, 2017). Conforming to the masculine norms of emotional control and self-reliance are correlated with negative health outcomes such as avoiding emotion, poorer communication and reduced health-seeking behaviour (Chambers, Foley, et al, 2016;Chambers, Hyde, et al, 2016;Gerdes & Levant, 2018;Pinnock, O'Brien, & Marshall, 1998). Men may experience a sense of loss or distress but attempt to avoid these emotions as help seeking may be construed as weakness, and not the emotional restraint associated with traditional masculine ideals (Wenger & Oliffe, 2014).…”

Características epidemiológicas e clínicas da sepse em um hospital público do Paraná

“…Entre os pacientes envolvidos na pesquisa houve prevalência do sexo masculino (55,7%) o que foi evidenciado também por outros estudos. [12][13][14] Os fatores que levam à alta morbimortalidade masculina são decorrentes do estilo de vida e hábitos que incorrem em maiores fatores de risco, além da baixa procura pelos serviços de saúde, sendo que na maioria das vezes, o homem busca pela assistência quando apresenta algum sinal ou sintoma clínico que dificultam as suas atividades diárias. [12][13][14] Desse modo, o diagnóstico e o tratamento são realizados tardiamente, colaborando para a cronicidade das doenças, para o aumento do número de internamentos hospitalares e elevação dos índices de mortalidade.…”

“…[12][13][14] Desse modo, o diagnóstico e o tratamento são realizados tardiamente, colaborando para a cronicidade das doenças, para o aumento do número de internamentos hospitalares e elevação dos índices de mortalidade. 14 Em relação à faixa etária, houve maior prevalência de pacientes entre os idosos com mais de 70 anos. Esses dados estão relacionados à imunossenescência característica dos idosos, a qual os torna mais suscetíveis aos processos infecciosos.…”