Masculine role variables and outcomes among men with spinal cord injury

Abstract

The findings show that certain aspects of the traditional masculine role (i.e., ability to modulate strong emotions) may be adaptive in the rehabilitation process, whereas other aspects (i.e., a dominant interpersonal style) may present a barrier to effective rehabilitation.

Masculinity lost: a systematic review of qualitative research on men with spinal cord injury

“…The findings are consistent with the limited quantitative data that indicates that grappling with altered gendered identity is a feature of life after SCI, which warrants explicit consideration. 5,14,22,52,53 It adds depth to an already existing body of knowledge, elucidating the impact of SCI on identity, 43,54,55 and has implications for health-care professionals seeking to understand individual responses to SCI and to self-management of health during and following rehabilitation. 'that kinda take a little piece of your manhood' 47 'I started thinking about my sexuality from the first moments after my accident.…”

“…Although identity dilemmas may constitute the central issue for those rebuilding lives after injury, 43,54,55,93 alterations in self-identity and a focus on body esteem do not fit easily with demands for achievable, time constrained goals and the pursuit of measurable rehabilitation outcomes. As men's adjustment to SCI is increasingly understood to be mediated by conceptions of masculinity, 14,52,53 it is important to seek a deeper understanding of how multiple masculinities are lived out and how versions other than constraining, conventional ones may be promoted and fostered.…”

“…70 Although there is much discussion of the potentially negative impact of masculine socialisation, some aspects of traditional masculinities have been linked to good outcomes. 14,52,53 Rehabilitation may be a crucial time for men as illness can provoke an altered relationship with the self. 69,70 Although men may have less self/body awareness than women in times of health, many are keen to maintain and become experts in times of ill-health.…”

“…8 Women typically provide the focus of discussion on gendered health inequalities, whereas men become a background feature, [9][10][11][12] whose gender-specific needs receive insufficient attention. [13][14][15] Men's health only became a specific area of policy concern in the UK in the early 90's 10 and even later in Ireland. 16 It is increasingly recognised that research and health interventions should include a focus on gender.…”

The Effects of Age, Ethnicity, Sexual Dysfunction, Urinary Incontinence, Masculinity, and Relationship with the Partner on the Quality of Life of Men with Prostate Cancer

“…This author also has a short version of the CMNI that includes 22 items which was used in this study. The CMNI was used to examine the conformity of masculine norms and health related behaviors with men with spinal cord injury (Schopp, Good, Mazurek, Barker, & Stucky, 2007), traumatic brain injury (Schopp, Good, Barker, Mazurek, & Hathaway, 2006) and perceived normative health behaviors (Mahalik, Burns, & Syzdek, 2007). This tool was used to measure masculinity in adult men with prostate cancer.…”