Gender Self-Confidence as a Protective Factor for Suicide Risk: Analysis of the Sample of Lithuanian Men

Abstract

BackgroundAlong with other suicide risk factors, masculinity has been analyzed as an important subject for suicidal behavior in men. This study examines masculinity as a gender self-confidence which is the intensity of an individual's belief that he meets his standards for masculinity. We use Hoffman and her colleague's concept, which provides two theoretical constructs as elements of gender self-confidence: gender self-definition and gender self-acceptance. Gender self-definition relates to how salient masculinity is in one's identity; gender self-acceptance relates to how positively one views his masculinity.MethodsThe quantitative research approach was applied in the study. The survey with a nonprobability quota sampling design was implemented to collect the data. The sample consisted of 562 Lithuanian men from various age groups and regions. The age of participants varied from 18 to 92 years (M = 42.99, SD = 17.18); 40.9% of men were from cities, 28.1% from towns, and 30.8% from rural locations. We used the Hoffman Gender Scale to measure gender self-definition and gender self-acceptance. Suicide risk was estimated with the Suicide Behavior Questionnaire—Revised. Patient Health Questionnaire-2 was used to measure depression symptoms as a controlled variable. Statistical analysis of regression and moderation was used to test the hypothesis.ResultsHigher gender self-definition and higher gender self-acceptance were associated with lower suicide risk. The moderation analysis showed that in men with relatively low gender self-definition, the effect of gender self-acceptance on suicidality was larger than in men with high or moderate gender self-definition.DiscussionWe conclude that a stronger gender self-confidence is an important protective factor in male suicide risk. Both, a smaller part of masculinity in one's identity and a negative view of one's masculinity have a cumulative effect on increased suicide risk. The findings have been discussed in accordance with the theories that explain suicidal behavior through the lenses of self-concept.

Effectiveness of man therapy to reduce suicidal ideation and depression among working‐age men: A randomized controlled trial

“…Although conformity to masculine norms has generally been associated with worse health outcomes, Gerdes and Levant ( 2018 ) found that a few norms were associated with positive results, particularly health promotion. Similarly, some dimensions of masculinity may be protective of suicide risk (Grigiene et al, 2022 ), including through enactment of the protective father role and viewing help‐seeking as a way to regain self‐control during times of severe depression (Oliffe et al, 2012 ).…”

Suicide Risk, Alcohol Consumption and Attitudes towards Psychological Help-Seeking among Lithuanian General Population Men, Conscripts and Regular Active Duty Soldiers

“…The general population sample consisted of 445 adult men (age between 18–59, M = 26.60, SD = 12.42) from the Lithuanian general population quota (based on age and residential area) sample. The original collected general population sample consisted of 562 men (a detailed description of the sample is published elsewhere [ 19 ]); however, for the purpose of the current study, the oldest age groups of 60+ were dropped to match the overall age interval with that of the regular active duty soldier sample.…”

“…The data of the general population sample came from another research study carried out recently by the Suicide Research Centre between June 2020 and April 2021. A detailed description of the general population data collection procedure is published elsewhere [ 19 ].…”

“…The total score on the measure ranges from 3 to 18, with higher scores reflecting a greater risk for suicide. The Lithuanian version of the SBQ-R demonstrates good psychometric properties [ 19 ]. A preliminary cut-off score of seven or higher is suggested for the adult non-clinical sample [ 20 ]; however, the cut-off score is not validated in the Lithuanian population, therefore should be used with caution.…”

“What do you Mean by Masculinity?”: Comparison of Answers of Men with and without Suicidal Thoughts

“…Tyrimas Švedijoje parodė, kad vyrai, kurie užsiima vyrišku laisvalaikiu (pavyzdžiui, sportu, medžiokle, žvejyba) ar vyriškomis darbinėmis veiklomis (pavyzdžiui, miškininkyste, mechanika), rečiau miršta dėl savižudybės (Månsdotter et al, 2009). Kiti tyrimai taip pat byloja, kad stipresnis vyriškas tapatumas ir pasitikėjimas savo vyriškumu (Grigienė et al, 2022) bei labiau išreikšti vyriški bruožai yra susiję su mažesne savižudybės rizika (Hunt et al, 2006). Vis dėlto tame pačiame Hunt ir kt.…”