Men's Attitudes Research Articles

MANifest Health Theory: A Holistic Approach to Cis-Gender Men's Health.

Men's health has often been overlooked in health care, with traditional gender norms and societal expectations significantly shaping men's health behaviors and attitudes. The MANifest Health Theory (MHT) offers a comprehensive framework to address cis-gender men's unique health needs by considering the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Rooted in four interconnected core concepts-Biopsychosocial Model, Health Optimization, Health Synchronicity, and Ethnocultural Expression-MHT provides a holistic understanding of men's health. This article explores how MHT integrates inductive and deductive reasoning, describing, explaining, predicting, and controlling aspects of men's health. Key components such as Gender-Sensitive Care, Health Empowerment, Supportive Environments, and Interdisciplinary Collaboration are discussed in relation to practical strategies for health care delivery. The limitations of MHT, including its developmental status, cultural applicability, and inclusivity of diverse gender identities, are acknowledged. Future steps for validating and refining the theory through empirical research, cultural adaptation, and inclusion of diverse gender experiences are outlined. By applying MHT, health care professionals can deliver more holistic and culturally competent care, promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing health care disparities among men.

Examining the association between men's gender equitable attitudes and contraceptive outcomes in rural Maharashtra, India

BackgroundPrevious literature suggests that men reporting more gender-equitable attitudes are more likely to use condoms, but there is a paucity of data evaluating whether these attitudes are associated with contraceptive communication and use. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that men reporting more gender-equitable attitudes will be more likely to (a) engage in contraceptive communication with their wives and (b) that they and/or their wives will be more likely to use all forms of family planning, compared to men with less equitable attitudes. MethodsUsing cross-sectional dyadic survey data from young married couples from rural Maharashtra, India (N = 989), we assessed the associations between men's gender role attitudes and a) spousal contraceptive communication and b) contraceptive use by type (none, traditional, condoms, pills, or IUD). The contraceptive use outcome is based on wives' report. We assessed these associations via bivariate t-test (communication outcome) or ANOVA test (contraceptive type outcome), as well as unadjusted and adjusted logistic (communication outcome) and multinomial logistic (contraceptive type outcome) regression models. Adjusted models included sociodemographic factors selected a priori based on established associations with gender-equitable attitudes and/or our assessed outcomes. FindingsMen with more gender-equitable attitudes were more likely to discuss family planning with their wives (AOR = 1·05, 95%CI 1·03-1·07, p < 0·001) and to use condoms (ARRR = 1·03, 95%CI 1·00-1·06, p = 0·07). There was no association between gender-equitable attitudes and use of other types of contraception. InterpretationWhile gender-equitable attitudes among men may facilitate condom use and family planning communication in marriage, they do not appear to be linked with greater likelihood of use of more effective types of contraceptive use. This suggests that males supportive of gender equity may take greater responsibility for family planning vis a vis a less effective contraceptive, condoms, in the absence of more effective short-acting contraceptives for men. FundingThe National Institutes of Health [Grant number 5R01HD084453-01A1] and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA [grant number INV-002967].

Cohesion and Heterosexist Attitudes in Men’s Collegiate Athletics

While attitudes toward gay men in sport have improved, sexual prejudice persists in sport, with the potential to decrease team social bonds. We examined the relationship between heterosexist attitudes and cohesion in men’s collegiate sports. Male college athletes (N = 264) completed the Heterosexist Attitudes in Sport–Gay Men scale and the Group Environment Questionnaire. We found a significant multivariate relationship among heterosexist attitudes and cohesion, Λ = .88, F(8, 518) = 4.28, p &lt; .001, with 10.6% overlapping variance between the two variate sets. Cognitive/affective heterosexist attitudes, attraction to group-task, group integration-task, and group integration-social contributed to the relationship. Heterosexism and sexual prejudice may serve as distractions from team objectives. Mental performance consultants working within men’s college sport should challenge negative stereotypes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer individuals; reward inclusive efforts; and leverage team building to reduce heterosexism in sport.

Gender Differences in Attitudes towards Homosexuality in China

The sexual liberation movement across many regions globally has resulted in a shift in individuals' perspectives and dispositions towards homosexuality. This research investigates the gender disparities in Chinese attitudes toward homosexuality and some of the causes behind these disparities based on a review of the literature. The research topic centers on the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights and the pursuit of gender equality. The study's findings indicate that there exist gender disparities in attitudes towards homosexuality in China, with women exhibiting more favorable attitudes compared to men. Moreover, it was observed that men tend to demonstrate greater consistency between their explicit and implicit attitudes towards homosexuality, whereas certain women exhibit incongruence between their explicit and implicit attitudes. Some women display positive explicit attitudes towards homosexuality, yet their implicit attitudes are negative. Both men and women tended to hold more negative attitudes towards gay individuals compared to lesbian individuals. Notably, men's attitudes towards gay individuals were significantly more negative than those of women, whereas there was minimal disparity between men's and women's attitudes towards lesbian individuals.

The Model and Implementation of Quranic Integral Ecofeminism at The Iiq Takhassus Islamic Boarding School Jakarta-Indonesia

Purpose: Reconsideration of stereotype gender of the ecofeminist paradigm which states that male hypermasculinity is one of the factors causing natural destruction. Theoretical framework: Carolyn Merchant explained that environmental damage has a correlation with men's domineering attitude toward women. The domineering attitude of men towards women affects the domineering attitude of men in exploiting the earth's resources. This is because both the earth and women have the same character, namely: silent, receptive, submissive, and surrender. Interestingly, in the research results of IPPC in 2019, the words of Merchant are not fully justified, this is because environmental damage is caused by modern human lifestyles that are not friendly to the environment. Likewise, Febriani rebutted the Merchant's statement with the verse of the Quran which stated that environmental damage was caused by "al-nās", namely humans who have matured socially, this editorial is mentioned for humans in general, both for men and women (Q.S. al-Rūm [30]: 41), Febriani also stated that character stereotypes for men and women are not found in the al-Qur’an. Method/design/approach: The method for Quranic interpretation using in this paper is maudu’i/thematic method. The authors also use qualitative observations to examine the concepts and categories in each subsequent event giving meaning to the research subject or observation. Result and conclution: The authors find a Quranic integral ecofeminism model which is understood in terms of “Environmental awareness and movement by involving men and women in a cooperative and complementary manner, by balancing the potential for physical and spiritual, rational and emotional, as individual, social and spiritual beings”. The Quranic integral ecofeminism model developed at the IIQ Takhassus Islamic boarding school, by providing awareness that feminine characters such as nurturing, loving, protecting, creative, and caring can be carried out by all parties in the campus ecosystem, both men and women. Likewise, masculine characters are needed in environmental maintenance such as visionary, consistent, wise and responsible. Research implication: The main contribution of this study is to reveal the insights of the al-Qur’an regarding the solution to the environmental damage problems if one of the causes is the gender stereotypes for men and women. In addition to interpreting verses, this study is equipped with psychological studies in building everyone’s balance of feminine and masculine character so that they can interact harmoniously and respecting humans and the environment. This study is expected to minimize the problems of environmental damage as well as gender stereotype. Originality/value: The concept of “Quranic Integral Ecofeminism” and the success of this concept which was implemented at IIQ Jakarta, Indonesia

Young Men's Attitudes and Understanding of Menstruation

PurposeTo identify sources of information, perceptions, and potential misinformation about menstruation among college-aged men in the United States. MethodsThis is a mixed-methods cross-sectional survey study of students in the United States. Inclusion criteria included participants aged 17–29 years, male gender identity, enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, and no personal history of menstruation. ResultsThis study included 70 participants. Almost half of all participants (42.9%) first learned about menstruation from family members. More than two-thirds of respondents felt that menstrual education was essential or very important for all genders. The most common symptoms noted to be associated with periods included cramping (93.6%), mood changes (80.9%), and vague “hormonal” changes (36.2%). When asked how a menstrual period might affect someone's ability to perform daily activities, one-third reported debilitating or very burdensome symptoms, whereas one-fifth felt periods do not have much impact. DiscussionComprehensive education and accurate reproductive health knowledge are critical in combating gender bias and stigma. Most males surveyed agree that education on menstruation is important, yet the majority do not have or do not remember formal education on this topic, instead relying on family members and friends as learning tools and resources. Most participants identified negative symptoms associated with menstrual periods, especially mental health concerns including mood changes and irritability. This association with mood changes, as well as vague “hormonal fluctuations,” contributes to the societal bias against people who menstruate by marking them as prone to emotional instability, thereby exacerbating gender prejudices. It is therefore critical that accurate menstrual education be widely available for everyone, regardless of gender.

The Misandry Myth: An Inaccurate Stereotype About Feminists’ Attitudes Toward Men

In six studies, we examined the accuracy and underpinnings of the damaging stereotype that feminists harbor negative attitudes toward men. In Study 1 ( n = 1,664), feminist and nonfeminist women displayed similarly positive attitudes toward men. Study 2 ( n = 3,892) replicated these results in non-WEIRD countries and among male participants. Study 3 ( n = 198) extended them to implicit attitudes. Investigating the mechanisms underlying feminists’ actual and perceived attitudes, Studies 4 ( n = 2,092) and 5 (nationally representative UK sample, n = 1,953) showed that feminists (vs. nonfeminists) perceived men as more threatening, but also more similar, to women. Participants also underestimated feminists’ warmth toward men, an error associated with hostile sexism and a misperception that feminists see men and women as dissimilar. Random-effects meta-analyses of all data (Study 6, n = 9,799) showed that feminists’ attitudes toward men were positive in absolute terms and did not differ significantly from nonfeminists'. An important comparative benchmark was established in Study 6, which showed that feminist women's attitudes toward men were no more negative than men's attitudes toward men. We term the focal stereotype the misandry myth in light of the evidence that it is false and widespread, and discuss its implications for the movement.

Учет гендерных особенностей мотивации профессиональной деятельности при проведении профессионального психологического отбора в ОВД

The article notes that in the staffing of activities in Russia in various fields, including in the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation (hereinafter, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation), a number of problems that have a negative impact on the course and results of official activity remain relevant. One of them is to increase the effectiveness of professional psychological selection for service in the Department of Internal Affairs, one of the aspects of which is to study the motivation of professional activity of candidates for service in the Department of Internal Affairs and employees of the Department of Internal Affairs on a gender basis. This is due to demographic factors, the predominance of the female population, both in society as a whole and in power structures. Professional motivation is reflected in personality traits. When conducting professional psychological selection for service in the Department of Internal Affairs, it is important to evaluate the professional important psychological components and features of the motivational sphere of the individual, which act as an internal prerequisite for the success of the formation of professionalism, professional growth of police officers. They should correspond to the objectives of the activity being carried out. It should also be noted that there are more and more women entering the service in the Department of Internal Affairs and being employees of the Department of Internal Affairs. In this connection, we analyzed the gender characteristics of the motivation of professional activity in relation to candidates entering the service in the Department of Internal Affairs, as well as current employees, dividing them into groups based on gender. The purpose of the study: to identify gender characteristics of motivation of professional activity, similarities and differences in motivational attitudes in men and women. The object of the study is the motivation of professional activity. The subject of the study is the gender characteristics of the motivation of professional activity of candidates entering the service in the Department of Internal Affairs, as well as current employees of the Department of Internal Affairs. Research methods: theoretical analysis of psychological literature on the research problem; empirical methods of socio-psychological research (survey method; interviewing; testing of candidates entering the service in the Department of Internal Affairs, as well as current employees); statistical methods of processing the data obtained; analysis of the results of the study. 100 people took part in the survey: 50 candidates for service in the Department of Internal Affairs (25 men and 25 women) and 50 active employees of the Department of Internal Affairs (25 men and 25 women). The results of the study allowed us to conclude that there are no significant differences in the structure of motivation of professional activity in men and women. These results "destroy" the prevailing stereotypes that the profession of "policeman" is rather male and does not suit women. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that the results obtained can be used by psychologists of moral and psychological support units in order to further improve the system of professional psychological selection of candidates for service in the Department of Internal Affairs and employees appointed to higher positions from among the positions of managers (chiefs).

Men's Views on Gender Equality: Attitudes and Behaviors at Male-Friendly Clinics in Malawi

Abstract Background Malawi ranks 173 out of 188 on the UN's Gender Inequality Index (GII) and Malawi has the eighth highest child marriage rate in the world. While previous research has mostly focused on understanding gender roles and norms from women's viewpoints, there has been limited exploration of men's attitudes and behaviors towards gender equality. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the social determinants that shape gender-equitable attitudes and investigating the relationship between behaviors and attitudes in Southern Malawi. Methods Between August 2022 and November 2022, we conducted an observational study in four healthcare facilities located in Balaka, Phalula, Namandanje, and Kapire. The study focused on men who participated in a health education program specifically designed for them, known as male-friendly clinics. We interviewed these men using a structured questionnaire based on the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES), which includes the Gender-Equitable Men (GEM) scale. To identify the factors influencing gender-equitable attitudes and explore the associated behaviors, we employed both univariate and multivariable analyses. Results We included a total of 422 men in this study, with a median age of 46 years (IQR= 34, 55). Men reported a median score of 0.53 on the Gender Equality Attitudes (GEM) scale, where 1 represents the higher GEM scores and indicates more equitable attitudes. Higher gender-equitable attitudes were associated with higher education, urban areas and with various behaviours, such as joint decision-making in couples in women's (0.55 vs 0.49; p= 0.008) and children's health (0.54 vs 0.48; p=0.012), and in spending on food and clothing (0.56 vs 0.49; p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusions This study showed that education and location are the two leading social determinants that affect attitudes toward gender in Southern Malawi. This study confirmed that more gender-equitable attitudes reflect less power imbalance in couples. Key messages • Higer education grade and urban areas affect attitudes toward gender equality in Southern Malawi. • Gender-equitable attitudes reflect equal distritution of power in couples.

The Relationship Between Masculinity and Help-Seeking Among Australian Men Living in Non-urban Areas

This study explores how traditional masculine norms affect mental health help-seeking attitudes in men residing in regional, rural, and remote Australia. Participants ( N = 271) were men living outside of major cities of Australia. Analyses of survey data found increasing endorsement of masculine norms was predictive of more negative attitudes toward help-seeking. Perceived barriers to help seeking partially mediated relationships between masculine norms and help seeking. Full mediation was present for gender role conflict through perceived barriers and help seeking. These findings suggest efforts to improve mental health of men from non-urban communities may consider the way health messages could be targeted to optimise help seeking. Increasing engagement with stakeholders, such as clinicians, community groups, government agencies, and mental health organisations is warranted when engaging men living in non-urban areas.

Masculinity and veganism: the effect of linking vegan dishes with masculinity on men's attitudes toward vegan food

IntroductionVegetarian or vegan diets are not yet popular with most men, though they are beneficial for both health and the environment. Men's low preference for such diets might stem from the prevalent association of meat with masculinity, and of veganism with femininity. Accordingly, linking vegan nutrition to masculinity might help to develop a favorable attitude toward plant-based diets in men. The present study examined the effects of a masculine framing of vegan dishes on men's attitudes toward vegan food and veganism, and explored whether adherence to traditional forms of masculinity might increase the effects of masculine framing.MethodsWe conducted an online experiment with a 2 (man vs. woman) x 2 (conventional vs. masculine framing) design, in which 593 adults participated. We measured participants' attitudes toward vegan dishes (dish ratings, hunger ratings) and veganism (veganism ratings, vegan scenarios ratings), the perceived suitability of the dishes for men and women as well as men's identification with new forms of masculinity.ResultsWe found that a masculine framing of vegan dishes influenced the gender association of the dishes, weakening the link to femininity. However, masculine framing did not influence men's or women's attitudes toward the presented vegan dishes or veganism in general. Although the extent to which men identified with new forms of masculinity correlated positively with favorable attitudes toward veganism, new masculinity identification did - with an exception for the rating of the presented dishes - not moderate the effect of the experimental condition.DiscussionOur findings suggest that the potency of a short-term intervention might not be sufficient to counterbalance the prevailing feminine connotations associated with veganism. Thus, we encourage further exploration of masculine framing to improve men's perception of vegan food and the vegan concept, but with stronger stimuli and/or longer intervention duration.

The Factors Related to Gender Role Attitudes in Men and Women: A Narrative Review

The Factors Related to Gender Role Attitudes in Men and Women: A Narrative Review

A qualitative analysis of Black men's attitudes toward obesity and bariatric surgery.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is a safe and highly effective treatment for morbid obesity and related co-morbidities. While MBS access and insurance coverage have greatly improved, sex and racial disparities remain in utilization of MBS. To identify novel intrinsic factors that may explain Black underutilization of surgical treatments for weight management. This study was conducted in metropolitan communities of Western New York. We conducted semistructured face-to-face interviews with 27 adult Black men with a history of obesity and at least 2 obesity-related conditions (diabetes, hypertension, and/or chronic kidneydisease [CKD]), about their attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and habits related to obesity and obesity management. Interview transcripts were reviewed using thematic analysis for patterns and themes. Most participants did not perceive obesity as a serious health condition and those who had weight-loss goals did not aim for a healthy body mass index (BMI). Trust and respectful communication with physician were very important in making healthcare decisions. MBS was perceived as extreme and dangerous option for weight loss, and only participants with severe symptoms such as chronic pain were open to discussing MBS with their providers. Participants acknowledged lack of role models of similar background who had successfully undergone MBS for obesity. This study identified misinformation about risks and benefits of MBS and lack of community role models as important factors contributing to Black men's unwillingness to consider MBS. Further research is needed to facilitate patient-provider communication about weight and improve provider's ability and motivation for weight management in primary care settings.

An Exploration of Black Men's Attitudes and Experiences Communicating with Dentists about Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer.

Poor oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) survival among Black men is partially due to their limited knowledge about OPCs, which is exacerbated by dentists' limited training and discomfort in discussing OPC risk factors. The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes and experiences that Black men have communicating with dentists about OPCs. To qualitatively assess these attitudes and experiences, a focus group guide and recruitment strategy were developed using a community engagement approach. Data were analyzed using grounded theory. Twenty-three self-identified Black men participated in three focus groups through the Zoom platform (mean age of 46.1 years). Four main themes emerged, which identified that participants: (1) had little knowledge of OPCs; (2) felt that addressing OPC risk among Black men was not a priority for dentists; (3) stressed the importance of dentists acknowledging the complexity of how race and gender affects Black men's healthcare experiences; and (4) expressed a benefit to receiving information from multiple social networks. The focus groups provided context for how dentists might engage with Black men in discussions about OPC prevention and treatment.

Perceptions and attitudes toward partners support for cervical cancer screening among married men in Ghana

ObjectivesThe majority of literature on cervical cancer (CC) and cervical cancer screening (CCS) focused on women all over the world. However, research has indicated that men's involvement in CCS can lead to improved health outcomes for women. Despite this, there is limited information available in the literature regarding men's attitudes toward CCS. This highlights the need for further study on the subject to increase understanding and improve outcomes. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the perceptions and attitudes toward partners’ support for CCS among married men from the Adentan Municipality. Study designAn exploratory descriptive qualitative approach was used in the study to explore the perceptions of married men about male involvement in CCS. MethodsThirty-four married men were purposively selected to be part of the interviews. A semistructured interview guide was used to collect data, which were recorded. The tape-recorded data were reproduced verbatim, and content analysis was carried out to generate the themes and subthemes. ResultsThree themes and nine subthemes were constructed from the data analysis. The study revealed that the perceptions of males about cervical cancer had a positive or a negative influence on women’s behaviors toward CCS. It was interesting that some men constantly reminded their wives to participate in CCS. However, some barriers to men’s support included fear of trauma to the wife’s vagina during screening and concerns about exposure to the wife’s nakedness. ConclusionIt was therefore recommended that healthcare facilities should roll out sustainable programs and policies to involve men in CC prevention. In addition, health workers should devise innovative ways to make male involvement in CCS more attractive to men.

Work Ethics in Saudi Arabia: The Critical Role of Women and Expatriates

The attitude of Saudis and expatriate managers toward work has taken on added value in recent years. This has come about as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has embarked on profound and ambitious economic and social changes outlined in Vision 2030. Managers are instrumental in successfully executing these strategic moves. However, managers face intense and immediate challenges when publicly voicing their concerns. This study was undertaken to shed light on the nature of work ethics and work involvement in the Kingdom. The research subjects were men and women managers and encompassed both citizens and expatriates. We found differences in the attitudes of men and women and between citizens and expatriates. The results were viewed in the sociopolitical context, and issues related to work ethics and to the role of women and expatriates were delineated. Business and social implications for policymakers and multinational corporations were provided.

Socio-Economic and Cultural Transformation of Women after Establishment of Educational Institutions: A Case Study of Diamond Harbour Blocks-I &amp; II

Contemporary societies of Diamond Harbour two Community Development (CD) blocks are changing rapidly. The Diamond Harbour subdivision has nine CD blocks. Among them the block-I has one municipality (16 ward) and eight gram panchayets. The block-II has only eight gram panchayet. It is situated on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River where the river meets the Bay of Bengal and the NH-12 highway and Diamond Harbour-Sealdah railway in the vicinity of Kolkata. These two CD blocks is large with an area of 164.02 sq.km. There are population of 346967 including male (177502) and female (169445) (according to 2011census). In the past (before 20 years) time, the two CD blocks was fully dependent on agriculture, brick field and fishery. But after establishment of the educational institutions, the two CD blocks become a developed blocks. Here the study mainly focuses on the identification of Socio-Economic and Cultural transformation of Women of the two CD blocks due to establishment of educational institutions as Neotia Institute of Technology management and Science (2002), Diamond Harbour Women university (2013), Neotia University (2014), Fakir Chand College (1948), Shishuram Das college (2010), Sadhan Chandra Mohavidyalaya (2007), Jyotirmoy Basu Vocational Training Centre (2001), Diamond Harbour Government Medical College and hospital (2019), Ramkrishna Mission Ashram (boys and girls), English Medium School, IIT Engineering College and various Schools and Madrasahs. When the Educational institutions was set up in 2000 the transformation started and then after 2013 when the Dimond Harbour Women University and Neotio University (2014) were established a huge changes is seen in change in language pattern, dress style, traditional customs, mentality of women, women's live, traditional custom disturbed, old ideas and superstitions, view point of women, literacy rate of women, attitude of men, inspire for education, daughter will go to university, try to get govt. job, moving out from house, laws and customs, divorce rate, status of women, dowry system, status of widow women, conservative minds in the women so on. It also incorporates development of music, dance, sports, art belief, morals, and knowledge, and any other capabilities of women etc. Therefore an attempt has been made here to identify the Socio-economic and Cultural transformation of two CD the blocks and its benefit of Women’s Society.

Gender-based violence as the outcome of maleness and egotism among Congolese male migrants located in the South African City of Durban

The study investigates the relationship between masculinities, narcissism, and gender-based violence (GBV) among Congolese male refugees in Durban, South Africa. The research uses a qualitative approach and 25 in-depth interviews to identify major themes. Results show that Congolese male refugees reinforce their masculinities through narcissistic behaviors, which contribute to GBV. Societal stakeholders in Durban should be involved in addressing GBV prevention initiatives to hinder men's narcissistic attitudes and beliefs. Recognizing a partner's depth can help reduce GBV by recognizing the positive attention they expect from them.

The transformation of masculinity orientations and work-related attitudes in men treated for depression (TRANSMODE): study protocol for a mixed-methods observational study

BackgroundMasculinity norms play a crucial role in men’s help-seeking behaviors, service-use, and coping strategies for depression. While previous studies provided evidence for the association between gender role orientations, work related attitudes, stigmatization of men with depression and depressive symptoms, it remains unclear to what extent gender role orientations change over time and whether psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment have an impact on these transformations. Additionally, the role of partners in supporting depressed men and the impact of dyadic coping on these processes have not been explored. The aim of this study is to investigate how masculinity orientations and work-related attitudes change over time in men treated for depression, and to examine the role of their partners and dyadic coping in these transformation processes.MethodsTRANSMODE is a prospective longitudinal mixed-methods study investigating the transformation of masculinity orientations and work-related attitudes in men treated for depression between the ages of 18 and 65 from different settings in Germany. The study will recruit 350 men from various settings for quantitative analysis. By applying a latent transition analysis, the primary outcome are changes in masculine orientations and work-related attitudes over time, measured at four times (t0, t1, t2, t3) with intervals of 6 months. Qualitative interview with a subsample of depressed men selected using latent profile analysis, will be conducted between t0 and t1 (a1) with a follow-up of 12 months (a2). In addition, qualitative interviews with the partners of depressed men will be conducted between t2 and t3 (p1). Qualitative data will be analysed using qualitative structured content analysis.DiscussionA comprehensive understanding of the transformation processes of masculinity orientations over time including the impact of psychiatric/psychotherapeutic treatment and the role of partners can lead to the development of gender-sensitive depression treatment tailored to the unique needs of men with depression. Thus, the study can promote more effective and successful treatment outcomes and further contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues among men and encourage them for mental health service use.Trial registrationThis study is registered in the German Clinical Trail Register (DRKS) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) under registration number DRKS00031065 (Date of registration 06 February 2023).

Single men's attitudes towards posthumous use of their sperm cryopreserved due to illness in Israel.

Banking of frozen spermatozoa by single men opens the possibility of procreation long after their death. Requests for posthumous reproduction by the families of the deceased are growing, raising an ethical debate, especially when written instructions were not left by the patients and in cases of unplanned perimortem collection. The issue of the progenitors' intention to procreate after death is the key to ethically based decision-making in these cases. To evaluate the attitude of single men cryopreserving spermatozoa before life-threatening medical situations towards post-mortem usage of their cryopreserved spermatozoa. Adult single men prior to sperm cryopreservation before cytotoxic therapy were asked to sign a structured form declaring their will and instructions for the usage of their cryopreserved spermatozoa in case of their demise. Four hundred fifty-two men of diverse ethnicity, religious and cultural backgrounds signed the form providing instructions for the use of their cryopreserved spermatozoa in case of mortality. Their age was 27.4±8.06 years. Seven (1.5%) patients willed their spermatozoa for posthumous reproduction to a sibling, 22 (4.9%) to parents, and 26 (5.7%) to their informal female partners. The significant majority (n=397; 87.8 %) of the single men were ordered to destroy their cryopreserved spermatozoa in case of their expiry. Note that, 26-39 years old men were less likely (81.8%vs.>90% in other ages) to order sperm destruction, as well as men with a poorer prognosis (83%vs. 90%). In this study group, most single men cryopreserving spermatozoa in the face of future life-threatening morbidity do so for their own future live parenthood, and are not interested in posthumous reproduction. Our results doubt the claim that single men who had an unplanned perimortem sperm collection can be universally presumed to have wished to father a child posthumously. Any claimed assumed consent in these cases should be considered for each case individually based on its specific circumstances.