Meta-analyses of the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and mental health-related outcomes.

Abstract

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

Reimagining Social and Emotional Development: Accommodation and Resistance to Dominant Ideologies in the Identities and Friendships of Boys of Color

“…Resistance to masculine norms, for example, has been found to link to psychological and social well-being as well as academic achievement, whereas accommodation to such norms is associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and self-esteem and lower levels of friendship satisfaction and grades in school [Ferguson, 2000;Nasir, 2011;Rogers et al, under review;Santos, Galligan, Pahlke, & Fabes, 2013;Gupta et al, 2013;Santos, 2010;Way, 2011;Wong, Ringo Ho, Wang, & Keino Miller, 2016]. Resistance to such norms has also been associated with fewer behavior problems [Cunningham et al, 2013;Ferguson, 2000;Pleck et al, 1993] and higher quality friendships [Cunningham & Meunier, 2004;Pleck et al, 1993;.…”

“We're Supposed to Look Like Girls, But Act Like Boys”: Adolescent Girls’ Adherence to Masculinity Norms

“…Research also shows that these patterns of accommodation and resistance have implications for well-being (e.g., Way, Gilligan, Noguera, & Ali, 2018;Way & Rogers, 2017). Adherence to norms of masculinity, for example, has been associated with poor adjustment, but resistance to such norms has been linked with health and well-being (e.g., Chu, Porche, & Tolman, 2005; Gupta et al, 2013;Mahalik et al, 2003;Pollack, 1998;Way et al, 2014;J. Y. Wong, Ringo Ho, Wang, & Keino Miller, 2016).…”

Evaluating the effectiveness of a website about masculinity and suicide to prompt help‐seeking

“…The website specifically targeted men because they are at particularly heightened risk of suicide (men account for three‐quarters of all suicides annually in Australia). Website content was premised on previous research that consistently demonstrates a link between traditional masculine norms and men's reduced help‐seeking, negative psychological outcomes and suicidal thinking ,. The website can be found here: http://www.manup.org.au.…”

“…Website content was premised on previous research that consistently demonstrates a link between traditional masculine norms and men's reduced help-seeking, negative psychological outcomes and suicidal thinking. 3,4 The website can be found here: www.manup.org.au.…”