The role of masculine norms and gender role conflict on prospective well-being among men.

Abstract

Masculinity has been theorized to be an anxiety-provoking state. Consequently, many researchers have examined masculinity in relation to negative psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and alcohol or substance use. However, emerging research suggests that certain facets of masculinity may also be related to positive psychological outcomes and that there is a need for more empirical research examining the differential impact of distinct masculine norms on both negative and positive outcomes. Accordingly, this study longitudinally examined the influence of masculine norms and gender role conflict on eudaimonic psychological well-being among young adult college men (N = 278). Participants were recruited from a public university and completed Time 1 (baseline) measures of masculine norm conformity and gender role conflict as well as Time 2 (6 months follow-up) measure of eudaimonic well-being. Results demonstrated that both masculine norm conformity and gender role conflict were predictive of increased and decreased well-being among young adult men. Specifically, the masculine norms of power and playboy were negatively associated with prospective well-being. In addition, gender role conflict, particularly restricted emotionality, was negatively associated with well-being. The norm of winning was positively associated with prospective well-being. In sum, men’s baseline adherence to traditional masculine norms was predictive of both positive and negative psychological well-being at follow-up, highlighting the differential impact of masculine norms on men’s health. The study’s theoretical and clinical implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

The gender gap in commenting: Women are less likely than men to comment on (men’s) published research

“…On the other hand, men might enjoy masculinity contests. This is because their pursuit of 'success and winning' could boost up their sense of mastery and achievement which in turn yields higher psychological wellbeing [55]. It may be that commenting reflects a genteel variation of this dynamic, with men focusing on other men as the targets most worthy of engagement.…”

Masculine norms and mental health of African men: what can psychology do?

“…In this case, society is conceived as a social playing ground in which all actors (male and female) consistently assume a role consciously or unconsciously ( Smith, 2020 ; Yang, 2013 ). The challenge with the role play assumption is that it does not consider behavioural or emotional exhaustion of the actor which in turn leads to role conflict and decreased psychological wellbeing ( Amarachi et al., 2020 ; Kaya et al., 2018 ). Role conflict within this context occurs when work or social role demands are incongruent with the family anticipated role ( Amarachi et al., 2020 ).…”

Gender differences in value orientations and motivation among university students

“…It is easy to assume that both Physical Prowess and Risk values would be higher for males than for their female counterparts. Accordingly Kaya et al (2019), study longitudinally examined the influence of masculine norms and gender role conflict on eudemonic psychological well-being among young adult college men. Results demonstrated that both masculine norm conformity and gender role conflict were predictive of increased and decreased well-being among young adult men.…”