The link between masculinity ideologies and posttraumatic stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Masculinity ideologies have been associated with negative mental health outcomes. However, little is known regarding the link between masculinity ideologies and posttraumatic stress (PTS). This review aims to provide insight into this association by synthesizing available empirical research. The databases Web of Science, PsycINFO, and PubPsych were systematically searched for quantitative studies published up to 2018 in English language reporting on the association between masculinity ideologies and PTS. Results were narratively reviewed and synthesized in a multilevel meta-analysis. Eleven studies were included in the narrative review, while 10 studies provided effect sizes that were included in the meta-analysis. Samples mainly consisted of male veterans. The weighted mean effect size of the association between masculinity ideologies and PTS was r = .22. Studies including a clearly identifiable sample of trauma survivors reported a significantly smaller association than studies that did not specify the occurrence of a traumatic event. A narrative review of results showed that masculinity ideologies prescribing restrictive emotionality were more strongly associated with PTS relative to other masculine norms. Findings were limited regarding the influence of race and gender. The results suggest that interventions aimed at trauma survivors may benefit from addressing deficits in emotion regulation resulting from masculinity ideologies. However, more research is needed to understand how masculinity ideologies and PTS interact with conditions such as trauma type, gender, or race. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).