Emotional Limitations Research Articles

Mental Health Treatment-Seeking Appraisal, Afrocentric Cultural Norms, and Mental Health Functioning: Buffering Factors of Young Black Men's Externalizing Behavior.

Depression rates are disproportionately high among Black American Men. This disparity--compounded by low mental healthcare seeking rates and high incorrect diagnosis rates in men--could be related to masculine norms, including self-reliance, restrictive emotionality, and stoicism. Furthermore, men are more likely to engage in externalized behavior, such as aggression, to cope with mental health challenges; this pattern is influenced by cultural and environmental factors. Contrary to these detrimental factors, social relationships, belief in social networks, and collectivism have been associated with positive mental health in these populations. Similarly, an Afrocentric worldview (including concepts like Ubuntu and African self-consciousness) has been hypothesized to promote positive mental health outcomes among Black American men. However, little research exists on harnessing these factors as a means of increasing health-seeking behaviors in young Black males. To elucidate the effect of region, depression, African humanism, collectivism, and help-seeking values and needs concerning aggression in young Black males. This study included Black or African American participants (n = 428) identifying as male, aged 18-25 years, who responded to a Qualtrics survey with questions on region, aggression, depression, African humanism, collectivism, and help-seeking value and need. Hierarchical linear regression revealed that collectivism, humanness, value, and the need for seeking treatment were inversely associated with aggression (p < 0.001). Highlighting the effect of cultural norms and help-seeking behaviors and the aggravating effect of depression on aggression in young Black males can help to develop aggression-mitigating interventions rooted in Afrocentric Norms.

Men's Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors and Conformity to Masculine Norms: A Person-Centered, Latent Profile Approach

BackgroundMen are up to four times more likely to die by suicide than women. At the same time, men are less likely to disclose suicidal ideation and transition more rapidly from ideation to attempt. Recently, socialized gender norms and particularly conformity to masculine norms (CMN) have been discussed as driving factors for men’s increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). This study aims to examine the individual interplay between CMN dimensions and their association with depression symptoms, help-seeking, and STBs. MethodsUsing data from an anonymous online survey of 488 cisgender men, latent profile analysis was performed to identify CMN subgroups. Multigroup comparisons and hierarchical regression analyses were used to estimate differences in sociodemographic characteristics, depression symptoms, psychotherapy use, and STBs. ResultsThree latent CMN subgroups were identified: Egalitarians (58.6%; characterized by overall low CMN), Players (16.0%; characterized by patriarchal beliefs, endorsement of sexual promiscuity, and heterosexual self-presentation), and Stoics (25.4%; characterized by restrictive emotionality, self-reliance, and engagement in risky behavior). Stoics showed a 2.32 times higher risk for a lifetime suicide attempt, younger age, stronger somatization of depression symptoms, and stronger unbearability beliefs. ConclusionThe interplay between the CMN dimensions restrictive emotionality, self-reliance, and willingness to engage in risky behavior, paired with suicidal beliefs about the unbearability of emotional pain, may create a suicidogenic psychosocial system. Acknowledging this high-risk subgroup of men conforming to restrictive masculine norms may aid the development of tailored intervention programs, ultimately mitigating the risk for a suicide attempt.

Sociocultural and masculinity influences on colorectal cancer screening participation among Hispanic/Latino men in Florida, New York, and Texas.

This cross-sectional study explored how masculinity beliefs may influence colorectal cancer (CRC) screening participation among ethnic subgroups of screening-age-eligible (45-75 years) Hispanic/Latino men. Using a consumer panel, we recruited self-identified Hispanic/Latino men fluent in English or Spanish, and residing in Florida, New York, or Texas. The Masculinity Barriers to Medical Care (MBMC) scale and its six subscales were used to assess masculinity beliefs. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between MBMC and CRC screening participation, adjusting for Hispanic/Latino subgroup, marital status, survey language, age group, and health insurance status. Results were then stratified by Hispanic/Latino subgroup. Of the participants (n=611), approximately 31% identified as Puerto Rican, 30% as other Hispanic/Latino, 26% as Mexican, and 14% as Cuban; 63% had ever been screened for CRC. We found no differences in the prevalence of screening participation by Hispanic/Latino subgroup. The majority of participants had completed both a stool-based test and an exam-based screening test (29.3%). After adjusting for confounding, MBMC reduced the odds of screening participation. Slight MBMC-subscale differences were observed by Hispanic/Latino subgroup. For example, higher scores on the Restrictive Emotionality subscale were associated with a lower likelihood of screening participation among Puerto Rican men, but higher odds of screening for Cuban men. Masculinity barriers to CRC screening may exist. Tailored interventions to address masculinity barriers among specific Latino subgroups may improve CRC screening uptake in this population.

The Impact of Undermining Coparenting on the Mental and Physical Health Outcomes of Black Fathers: The Role of Depression and Restrictive Emotionality

ABSTRACT The parenting literature has established the coparenting relationship as central to the parenting behaviors and outcomes of men. The construct of coparenting encompasses supportive efforts among individuals that facilitate the rearing of children and unsupportive actions that can undermine parenting efforts (Merrifield & Gamble, 2013). Few studies have examined undermining coparenting as an experience that shapes Black men’s health outcomes. In this study, we apply the social determinants of health framework to examine the impact of Black fathers’ perceptions of undermining coparenting on their self-reported ratings of mental and physical health. Using a nationally representative sample of Black men (n = 255), correlational analyses revealed perceptions of undermining coparenting to be a significant predictor of higher levels of anger and poorer perceptions of physical health. These relationships were found to be mediated by depressive symptoms and moderated by restrictive emotionality. It is recommended that the negative impact of undermining coparenting on health be considered as a potential comorbidity contributing to negative health outcomes for Black men. This study adds to the literature on coparenting, Black men’s health, and Black fatherhood more generally and urges policymakers and practitioners to consider undermining as an often overlooked, but significant, social determinant of health impacting the well-being of Black men. We also offer recommendations for promoting Black men’s health by educating families on the effects of undermining and offering the supports necessary for achieving positive coparenting dynamics.

Abstract 796: Exploring the impact of masculine beliefs on colorectal cancer screening participation among Hispanic/Latino men in Florida, New York, and Texas

Abstract Introduction: The existing literature on colorectal cancer-related inequities among Hispanic/Latino men may be poorly descried as most outcome data to date for this ethnic group are reported in aggregate. This study explored how masculine beliefs may influence colorectal cancer screening participation among ethnic subgroups of Hispanic/Latino men aged 45-75 years. Methods: Utilizing a consumer panel, self-identified Hispanic/Latino men that were age-eligible for colorectal cancer screening and fluent in either English or Spanish were recruited from Florida, New York, and Texas (February-March 2022). The Masculinity Barriers to Medical Care (MBMC) scale, comprising six theoretically derived subscales, was assessed masculinity. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to estimate the association between MBMC and colorectal cancer screening participation, adjusting for Hispanic/Latino subgroup, marital status, survey language, age, and health insurance status. Next, to explore differences by Hispanic/Latino subgroups (Mexican/Mexican American/Chicano; Puerto Rican; Cuban; Other Hispanic/Latino), results were stratified by subgroup and adjusted for confounding. Results: There were 611 male participants, with roughly 31% identifying as Puerto Rican, 30% a different Hispanic ethnic background (“Other Hispanic/Latino”), 26% Mexican, and 14% Cuban. More than half (63%) of whom had ever been screened for colorectal cancer. No variations in screening rates were observed across Hispanic/Latino subgroups. Stool-based tests were more commonly used for screening compared to exam-based tests (60% vs. 49%). After adjusting for confounding, masculinity barriers reduced the odds of the screening participation. Differences were observed by Hispanic/Latino subgroup for a few MBMC scale items. Specifically, Cuban men were most likely to report trust in healthcare professionals, but least likely to report receiving quality medical care. Latino men of other Hispanic ethnicity were more likely to report taking risks with their own health if it benefits their family. Among Puerto Rican men, higher scores on the restrictive emotionality subscale were associated with a lower likelihood of screening participation. Conversely, higher scores on the health-related self-reliance subscale were associated with a greater likelihood of screening participation among men of other Hispanic/Latino ethnicity. Conclusion: Differences in colorectal cancer screening participation by Hispanic/Latino ethnicity were not observed, suggesting barriers to screening may be similar among subgroups. Masculinity barriers to colorectal cancer screening may exist among Latino men, particularly among Puerto Rican men. Intervening on these masculinity-related barriers masculinity may improve colorectal cancer screening uptake among Latino men. Citation Format: Ami E. Sedani, Jessica Y. Islam, Derek M. Griffith, Kelly K. Rifelj, Cordero L. McCall, Omar García-Rodríguez, Marlene Camacho-Rivera, Charles R. Rogers. Exploring the impact of masculine beliefs on colorectal cancer screening participation among Hispanic/Latino men in Florida, New York, and Texas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 796.

The mediating role of self-compassion and the moderating role of restrictive emotionality in gender role discrepancy and depression

Masculine gender role discrepancy is men's perception of themselves as people who fail to conform to traditional masculine norms. There is solid scientific evidence that gender role discrepancy is related to grave mental health outcomes such as depression. Yet, the mechanisms that explicate the relationship between masculine gender role discrepancy and masculine depression remain unclear. As individual differences in men are suggested to be associated with depression, the current study aimed to examine the mediating role of self-compassion and the moderating role of restrictive emotionality in the association between masculine gender role discrepancy and masculine depression.For the purpose of the current study, a structured questionnaire was distributed through online means, resulting in a sample of 954 men aged 18 and older. The results revealed that self-compassion partially mediates the relationship between gender role discrepancy and masculine depression. Moreover, a positive effect of gender role discrepancy on masculine depression was found to be more pronounced at higher levels of restrictive emotionality. The contemporary empirical evidence underscores the significance of individual variances in adhering to conventional masculine gender norms concerning the nexus between gender role discrepancy and masculine depression. Moreover, this research accentuates the salience of gender role matters in shaping the mental well-being of men.

Videogames and the representation of men and women: an international perspective

In the last few decades, videogames have become a mass phenomenon and have progressively carved out an important space in society and culture. Today, they have growing capabilities to reproduce realistic scenarios, and are increasingly used as an artistic medium with significant narrative potential. In this context, players also need to confront with the representation of aspects of the Self, moving and interacting within video games’ parallel worlds. How these aspects are represented in media can be an important influence on a psychological, cultural and social level. Gender representation can be argued to be almost universal in media and reflects real-world beliefs and attitudes. Despite areas of progress, videogames often feature sexist, prejudiced or biased representations of men and women, both from an aesthetical and narrative point of view. This contribution will discuss the role of gender representation in videogames, aiming to summarize the main features and specificities of different portrayals. Specifically, men characters were over represented compared to women characters as a lead both in the narrative and in promotional material, although recent improvements were observed. Portrayals of womenappeared to feature lean-ideal body idealization, sexualization, objectification, as well as reduced agency. Moreover, portrayals of men appeared to feature muscular-ideal body idealization, restrictive emotionality, and the overuse of aggressiveness and assertiveness. These restrictive representations can have harmful consequences in the users’ reality, such as fostering sexist attitudes and beliefs, promoting restrictive gender roles and ideals of appearance, as well as increasing tolerance of violent behaviors. This analysis suggests that reducing stereotypical and sexist representations, promoting diverse and nuanced representations, and efforts for critical engagement with media portrayals may help reduce these negative effects.

MASCULINITY IDEOLOGIES SCALE: DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR PAKISTANI CONTEXT

By reviewing Pakistani literature on men and masculinities, existing research seems to be in a budding phase. Current study thus targeted to develop a psychometrically sound scale for measuring masculinity ideologies in a Pakistani culture so as to give thrust to the masculinity studies. The scale development proceeded in three phases. First phase involved generation of item pool based on an earlier qualitative study that explored about indigenous masculinity ideologies. In second phase, factor structure was explored using exploratory factor analysis where Principal Axis Factoring was utilized with Promax rotation. For this purpose, 421 participants (Men = 268, Women = 173) were recruited with age range of 19 to 51 years, through convenience sampling. A four factors structure was yielded that comprised of 31 items explaining 48.70% variance. Final phase involved performing the confirmatory factor analysis on the items finalized in the previous phase using an independent sample. This sample (Men = 219, Women = 133) ranged in age from 20 to 44 years. The tested model was confirmed after adding three modification indices. The scale yielded good alpha reliabilities for the emerged factors. Weak to moderate correlations of these factors with Gender Role Attitude Scale (Kamal &amp; Saqib, 2004) provided for discriminant validity evidence. This scale thus outlines the masculinity ideologies of male privilege and power, traditional roles and responsibilities, avoiding effeminacy, and restricted emotionality. A useful measure was thus acquired to provide impetus to clinical and research work focusing on masculinity in indigenous context.

MASCULINITY IDEOLOGIES SCALE: DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR PAKISTANI CONTEXT

By reviewing Pakistani literature on men and masculinities, existing research seems to be in a budding phase. Current study thus targeted to develop a psychometrically sound scale for measuring masculinity ideologies in a Pakistani culture so as to give thrust to the masculinity studies. The scale development proceeded in three phases. First phase involved generation of item pool based on an earlier qualitative study that explored about indigenous masculinity ideologies. In second phase, factor structure was explored using exploratory factor analysis where Principal Axis Factoring was utilized with Promax rotation. For this purpose, 421 participants (Men = 268, Women = 173) were recruited with age range of 19 to 51 years, through convenience sampling. A four factors structure was yielded that comprised of 31 items explaining 48.70% variance. Final phase involved performing the confirmatory factor analysis on the items finalized in the previous phase using an independent sample. This sample (Men = 219, Women = 133) ranged in age from 20 to 44 years. The tested model was confirmed after adding three modification indices. The scale yielded good alpha reliabilities for the emerged factors. Weak to moderate correlations of these factors with Gender Role Attitude Scale (Kamal &amp; Saqib, 2004) provided for discriminant validity evidence. This scale thus outlines the masculinity ideologies of male privilege and power, traditional roles and responsibilities, avoiding effeminacy, and restricted emotionality. A useful measure was thus acquired to provide impetus to clinical and research work focusing on masculinity in indigenous context.

MASCULINITY IDEOLOGIES SCALE: DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR PAKISTANI CONTEXT

By reviewing Pakistani literature on men and masculinities, existing research seems to be in a budding phase. Current study thus targeted to develop a psychometrically sound scale for measuring masculinity ideologies in a Pakistani culture so as to give thrust to the masculinity studies. The scale development proceeded in three phases. First phase involved generation of item pool based on an earlier qualitative study that explored about indigenous masculinity ideologies. In second phase, factor structure was explored using exploratory factor analysis where Principal Axis Factoring was utilized with Promax rotation. For this purpose, 421 participants (Men = 268, Women = 173) were recruited with age range of 19 to 51 years, through convenience sampling. A four factors structure was yielded that comprised of 31 items explaining 48.70% variance. Final phase involved performing the confirmatory factor analysis on the items finalized in the previous phase using an independent sample. This sample (Men = 219, Women = 133) ranged in age from 20 to 44 years. The tested model was confirmed after adding three modification indices. The scale yielded good alpha reliabilities for the emerged factors. Weak to moderate correlations of these factors with Gender Role Attitude Scale (Kamal &amp; Saqib, 2004) provided for discriminant validity evidence. This scale thus outlines the masculinity ideologies of male privilege and power, traditional roles and responsibilities, avoiding effeminacy, and restricted emotionality. A useful measure was thus acquired to provide impetus to clinical and research work focusing on masculinity in indigenous context.

Gender Role Conflict, Gay Identity, Relationship Love Types and Relationship Satisfaction in Greek Gay Men: A Path Model

We examined the relations between Gender Role Conflict (GRC) patterns, Gay Identity, Relationship Satisfaction (RS) and three of Sternberg’s Relationship Love Types (Fatuous Love, Infatuation, Companionate Love). Self-identified gay men ( n = 232) completed an online survey. A path model showed that Companionate Love Type mediated effects upon RS. Specifically, (a) the negative effects of GRC patterns, Restricted Emotionality, Restricted Affectionate Behaviour Between Men and Success, Power, and Competition, (b) the negative effect of the Gay Identity dimension, Internalized Homonegativity and (c) the negative effect of Infatuation and the positive effect of Fatuous love. Conclusively, GRC and Gay Identity seem to negatively affect the emotional exchange and communication between partners and their overall subjective evaluation of the relationship. Acceptance and empowerment by the significant other or negotiating one’s role in the relationship may be a better “territory” of confronting and managing Gay Identity and GRC issues in ameliorating one’s relationship.

The Role of Restrictive Emotionality and Social Interaction Anxiety in the Association Between Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder and Masculine Depression

Muscle dysmorphic disorder (MDD) is a mental disorder characterized by men’s exaggerated self-perception as insufficiently muscular and lean and pathological preoccupation with achieving a muscular body. MDD has been recognized as a risk factor associated with negative mental health outcomes in men. However, previous studies did not sufficiently explore the link between MDD and masculine depression. Therefore, the present study examines the mediating role of social interaction anxiety and the moderating role of restrictive emotionality in the relationship between MDD and masculine depression. Structured questionnaires were distributed online among 849 Israeli men. The moderated mediation analysis indicated that a positive association between MDD and masculine depression was moderated by restrictive emotionality and partially mediated by social interaction anxiety. These findings have profound meaning in terms of the psychosocial aspects of men’s lives, underlining the risk factors inherent in the association between men’s dissatisfaction with their body and their mental health.

“What do you Mean by Masculinity?”: Comparison of Answers of Men with and without Suicidal Thoughts

Male suicides are often associated with masculinity norms that encourage certain behaviours that increase the risk of suicide. For example, research shows that restricted emotionality, avoidance of seeking help and self-reliance are associated with higher suicide risk. However, these pre-formulated aspects of masculinity do not necessarily reflect men’s subjective opinions of what masculinity is to them. Researchers argue that it is important to consider personal views about what masculinity is, not only stereotypes about masculinity. The aim of this study is to reveal and compare the subjective opinions about the masculinity of men with and without suicidal ideation. 281 men answered the open-ended question during the survey: “What does masculinity mean to you?”. The answers were analyzed using a content analysis method. We transformed qualitative data into quantitative and compared them statistically between two groups: men with and without suicidal ideation. It turned out that men with suicidal thoughts were more likely to mention that masculinity is the control of emotions, intelligence, and decision-making. Men without suicidal thoughts were more likely to mention family and caring for it as essential aspects of masculinity. The results showed that certain aspects of masculinity might be related to higher risk for suicide, but the study also revealed the masculinity that might be a source of coping.

A Pilot Study Testing A New Visual Stimuli Database for Probing Men’s Gender Role Conflict: GRASP (Gender Role Affective Stimuli Pool)

ABSTRACTGender Role Conflict (GRC) yields intensive psychological discomfort due to restrictive gender roles. However, there is no visual stimuli database portraying GRC contexts/domains. The goal of this pilot study is to assemble stimuli (a) reflecting GRC contexts and (b) rate them on emotional dimensions (valence, arousal, uneasiness), for norming purposes. Initially, 53 photos were included from the Nencki Affective Picture System and the internet. Based on the four GRC domain definitions, we divided the photos into four categories. Straight and gay men (n = 22) rated each photo on (i) the extent to which it depicted a GRC domain, (ii) the three emotional dimensions. Photos rated above scale midpoint as depicting a GRC domain were classified accordingly and comprised the “Gender Role Affective Stimuli Pool” (GRASP) with 31 photos. Straight participants rated Restricted Emotionality (RE) and Restrictive Affectionate Behavior Between Men (RABBM) photos as less pleasant (low valence) than gay men. High GRC participants rated RE photos as more pleasant and arousing and RABBM ones as more uneasiness-inducing than low GRC participants. Men seem to differentiate their affective reaction to photos illustrating GRC domains; hence, GRASP may be useful to future experimental research examining cognitive and affective consequences of men’s adherence to gender roles.

Compassion‐focused therapy group for men with intellectual disabilities who had maladaptive conceptualisations of masculinity

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of an adapted compassion-focused therapy (CFT) group treatment programme for individuals with an intellectual disability (ID), specifically aimed to help address maladaptive conceptualisations of masculinity.Design/methodology/approachOutcome measurements were competed at pre- and post-group and the effectiveness of the intervention were assessed using a Wilcoxon signed ranks test.FindingsFindings demonstrated that the treatment group showed significant differences in their “gender role conflict” subscales including the Success, Power, Control and “Restrictive Affectionate Behavior Between Men” subscales; however, no significant differences were found on the Restrictive Emotionality or Conflicts Between Work and Leisure subscales. Furthermore, no significant differences were found on participants psychological well-being, psychological distress, anxiety, self-compassion or quality of life measures.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include that a lack of qualitative information regarding outcomes, a lack of control group and a small number of participants may have impacted the outcome of the research.Practical implicationsThe Men’s Masculinity group had a positive impact on the participant’s sense of success, power and control, so it could be considered that this group enabled participants to feel more powerful and in control of their difficulties which is associated with the “drive” system of CFT.Originality/valueOverall, this study adds to the small but growing literature that supports using CFT groups as a stand-alone psychological intervention when working with people with an ID.

Communion and well-being: A moderated mediation via gender restricted emotionality

Communion is a core psychological motive that contributes to well-being. Narrative expressions of communion are considered centrally important for personality but also are stereotypically associated with gender. Eight autobiographical memory narratives per participant (N = 96) were content-coded for communion. A moderated mediation model found that narrated communion predicted psychological well-being, but this relation was moderated by gender and mediated by restricted emotion. Communion predicted well-being for women but not for men. Restricted emotional expression correlated to lower well-being for all participants but was only related to communion for women but not men. Findings are interpreted in terms of how the ‘good life’ emerges from the dialogue between personal narrative and the master narratives against which they are positioned for the individual.

Military sexual trauma: Exploring the moderating role of restrictive emotionality among male veterans.

Objective: Military Sexual Trauma (MST) has been found to be positively associated with mental health outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depressive symptoms, symptoms of anxiety, and insomnia severity (Jenkins et al., 2015; O'Brien & Sher, 2013). Male survivors of MST face unique challenges, including concerns associated with hypermasculinity (e.g., restrictive emotionality [RE]). Men with high RE (difficulty expressing emotions) report more negative mental health outcomes compared to men with low RE (Good et al., 1995). The present study investigated whether RE moderated the relationship between MST and negative mental health outcomes, while controlling for combat exposure (CE) and age to further assess confounding variables. Method: One hundred thirty-four adult male veterans in behavioral health treatment at a large VA medical center in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States were recruited. Participants provided self-reported data on MST and symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, as well as their endorsement of restrictive emotionality. PROCESS v3.3 (Hayes, 2017) regression analytic method was used to test main and interaction effects. Results: MST was a significant predictor of PTSD symptoms and insomnia severity-but not depressive symptoms or symptoms of anxiety. RE also moderated the relationship between MST and PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and insomnia, after controlling for CE and age. Conclusion: These findings suggest that restricting emotions has a negative influence on men's mental health functioning. Therefore, assessing male veterans' experiences of expressing their emotions within the context of masculinity and their military training will likely have implications on trauma processing and treatment outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Does Male Gender Role Conflict Inhibit Help‐Seeking?1

AbstractSeveral studies have reported negative associations between help‐seeking and male gender role conflict (GRC). We examined associations between three indices of help‐seeking—help‐seeking intentions, help‐seeking attitudes, and help‐seeking styles—and two aspects of GRC: restrictive emotionality and success/power/competition. Additionally, we compared the impact of restrictive emotionality and success/power/competition, both as derived from the male gender role and as not solely derived from the male gender role, on help‐seeking. We conducted an online survey with 500 men who answered questions on help‐seeking, GRC, and subjective needs. Multiple‐group structural equation modeling indicated that restrictive emotionality derived from the male gender role was negatively associated with attitudes toward help‐seeking, which supported previous studies. However, restrictive emotionality derived from the male gender role was not related to help‐seeking intentions. In contrast, restrictive emotionality which is not derived from the male gender role had a negative association with most help‐seeking variables. These results suggest that while GRC is related to attitudes toward help‐seeking, its impact on help‐seeking is nevertheless quite limited.

The impact of advertising exposure on the gendered perceptions of men with mental health concerns

PurposeTraditional masculinity ideologies dictate men should be tough, self-reliant and display restrictive emotionality. Men who seek mental health services, a behavior that typically involves expressing feelings and showing dependence, are often subject to stigma. The purpose of the study is to examine the gendered perceptions of men who seek help for mental health concerns, as well as how masculine advertisements moderate these perceptions.Design/methodology/approachAfter viewing either masculine or control advertisements, participants read descriptions of men who sought help for psychological or physical symptoms and provided masculinity ratings in a task ostensibly unrelated to the advertisements.FindingsAcross two experiments, participants perceived the male target who sought help for psychological symptoms, a behavior incongruent with the traditional masculinity ideologies, as less masculine than his counterpart seeking help for physical symptoms. Importantly, exposure to masculine advertisements attenuated the gendered perceptions for psychological help-seeking: viewing masculine advertisements led participants to deliberately reflect on society’s expectations for men to be physically masculine and tough and the extent to which men should conform to these standards. These reflections counteract the effect of stigma on the gendered perceptions of men seeking help for mental health concerns.Originality/valueThe representation of men as masculine and rugged in advertisements is believed to contribute to public perceptions of men seeking help for mental health concerns. Yet the current research demonstrates an unexpected effect of viewing masculine advertisements in attenuating the gendered perceptions of men’s help-seeking.

Examining Stigmatizing Beliefs about PrEP Use among Black Sexual Minority Men: A Test of Explanatory Mechanisms.

Stigma often is cited as a barrier to the uptake and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV among Black sexual minority men (SMM). Socialized gender norms (i.e., restrictive emotionality) are associated with experiences and manifestations of stigma in men. However, the association between restrictive emotionality and the stigma surrounding PrEP use has received little attention in previous research. The present study examines the association between restrictive emotionality and holding stigmatizing beliefs about PrEP use with a theoretically informed serial mediation model testing internalized homophobia and LGBT community connectedness as mediators among a sample of 455 Black SMM in the Southeastern US. Results indicate that restrictive emotionality is associated with stigmatizing beliefs about PrEP use. Further, internalized homophobia and LGBT community connectedness were found to partially mediate the proposed relationship serially. Internalized homophobia, but not LGBT community connectedness, also independently mediated the association between restrictive emotionality and stigmatizing beliefs of PrEP use. This study provides important insights into how aspects of masculinity influence the manifestation of stigmatizing beliefs about PrEP use among Black SMM. The present findings have implications for reducing these beliefs, which are known to negatively impact uptake and use of the HIV prevention tool among Black SMM at elevated risk for HIV.