Adherence to Masculine Norms and Perceived Paternal Nurturance as Predictors of SelfCompassion

Abstract

Previous researchers have examined the relationship between adherence to masculine norms and self-compassion as well as the impact of parental warmth on self-compassion. However, no study to date has specifically examined how perceptions of paternal nurturance and adherence to masculine norms impact levels of self-compassion in college-aged males. Furthermore, findings regarding the relationship between adherence to traditional gender roles and self-compassion have not been well established. The purpose of the current quantitative study was to ascertain whether greater adherence to traditional United States' masculine norms and levels of perceived paternal nurturance contribute to levels of self-compassion in college-aged males at West Virginia University. Data were collected via self-report measures in order to better understand whether the first two variables predicted levels of self-compassion. A hierarchical multiple regression was used to ascertain whether perceptions of paternal nurturance would explain a significant amount of variance in levels of self-compassion after controlling for adherence to masculine norms. Findings demonstrated that higher levels of adherence to masculine norms predicted lower levels of self-compassion and that higher levels of perceived paternal nurturance predicted lower levels of self-compassion. Overall, the hierarchical regression analysis showed that perceived paternal nurturance did explain a significant amount of variance in levels of selfcompassion while controlling for levels of adherence to masculine norms, though not in the direction initially hypothesized. The implications based upon the results and future directions for study are discussed.

Masculinity as Predictor of Self-Compassion and Mental Health Help-Seeking Attitude of Selected Male Adults

“…According to Levant and Pryor (2020, as Craig, 2018). With this data, men are expected to be more compassionate to themselves by seeking help to profession to avoid further damage however, according to Mosewich, Ferguson, McHugh, and Kowalski (2019 men who strongly align themselves with conventional male traits, such as emotional reservation, are more likely to resist the concept of self-compassion since it seems to contradict traditional masculinity.…”

“…Research indicates that men displaying these unadaptive characteristics are less inclined to seek psychiatric assistance and frequently lack awareness regarding their own discomfort levels or indications of illness. (Nguyen, Ming Liu, Hernandez, & Stinson, 2012 as cited by Craig, 2018). A substantial part of this variation can be attributed to the impact of conventional male ideals that emphasize the significance of self-sufficiency, physical prowess, and emotional resilience (Addis & Mahalik, 2003;Fields & Cochran, 2011;Fridgen et al, 2013;Vogel, Heimerdinger-Edwards, Hammer, & Hubbard, 2011, and others as mentioned by Call & Shafer, 2015).…”