Measuring Masculinity in Men With Chronic Disease

Abstract

The Masculinity in Chronic Disease Inventory (MCD-I) is a new measure of internalized masculine beliefs previously validated in the context of prostate cancer. The present study assessed the validity of the MCD-I in men with other chronic diseases to explore its potential for wider application. A cross-sectional survey of 633 men aged 47–93 years old ( M = 68 years), of whom 68% reported ≥2 chronic conditions, was conducted. Measures included the MCD-I and Erectile Function. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed followed by tests for discriminant validity. A five-factor structure was confirmed that explained 60% of the variance, with good to excellent reliabilities (α = 0.68–0.93) for the domains of Optimistic Action, Sexual Importance/Priority, Family Responsibilities, Emotional Self-Reliance, and Strength/Fitness. The MCD-I is a valid measure of internalized masculine beliefs for men with chronic disease that appears sensitive to age and to sexual health. The tailoring of health services for men can be guided by MCD-I outcomes to ensure gender-sensitized men’s health interventions.

The role of masculinities in psychological and emotional help seeking by men with prostate cancer

“…In other instances, alignment to these ideals can result in men exhibiting rational thinking and problem‐solving behaviours that lead to increased dialogue with health professionals . Taken together, this evidence supports and informs the development of measurement tools to itemize, capture, and account for gender norms in men who are living with chronic disease . Drawing from gender socialization theory, masculine norms are typically listed in these measurement tools and men's alignments to these gendered dimensions are measured as a means to describe styles of coping, including problem solving and self‐management .…”

“…Those who did seek support tended to be younger and sourced it largely from their GP or through prostate cancer support groups. Those with the highest degree of need for psychological support were less likely to seek this support if they were high in optimistic action, an alignment to masculine norms that reflects an orientation toward taking positive action in the face of challenges .…”

“…The five‐factor version of the Masculinity in Chronic Disease Inventory (MCDI) was designed to measure the masculine beliefs and ideologies of men with prostate cancer . The instrument measures five domains of masculinity including physical strength and fitness (three items, eg, “Being an active person is important to me”), sexual importance (four items, eg, “I like to know I am capable of having sex”), family responsibility (four items, eg, “It is up to me to protect my partner/family”), emotional self‐reliance (two items, eg, “I keep my feelings to myself”), and optimistic action (nine items, eg, “I like to take action in the face of problems”).…”

Contemporary consumer perspectives on prostate cancer survivorship: Fifty voices

“…16 Notably, participants in the present study eschewed traditional viewpoints associated with men avoiding thinking about their disease or desiring engagement in their care 30 and this reinforces the need for a deep consideration of how models and expressions of masculinity influence prostate cancer care. [31][32][33][34] Specifically, men-centred care is deeply contextual and dynamic but includes a consideration of how health care services for men intersect with masculinity and in the context of this study with men's preferences for the design and delivery of prostate cancer survivorship care. 35 By contrast participants expressed a desire to direct their survivorship experience and called for a system which included them, consulted with them and advocated broadly for them.…”

Optimising Web-Based Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Interventions for Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Randomised Controlled Trial Examining the Impact of Website Architecture on User Engagement

“…As such, designing autonomy supportive interventions may result in greater likelihood of on-going engagement [21]. Autonomy may be especially important for prostate cancer survivors, as autonomy and control can by threatened by a prostate cancer diagnosis [22]. However, the impact of website architecture has not been explored in a controlled setting among prostate cancer survivors.…”