The belief that masculinity has a negative influence on one’s behavior is related to reduced mental well-being

Abstract

Objectives: Masculinity is sometimes presumed to be a cause of mental health
problems and antisocial behavior in men. This study sought to identify the predictors
of men’s mental well-being, including their attitudes to masculinity.
Methods: 4,025 men from the UK and Germany (GDR) were asked about their core
values, which areas of their life they felt were important, and their opinions about
masculinity., Their mental well-being was measured using the Positive Mindset Index
(PMI). Multiple linear regression assessed the degree to which their answers were
linked to their mental well-being.
Results: The results in both countries were similar. The main predictors of higher PMI
scores were Personal Growth Satisfaction (UK β = 0.211; t = 6.146; P < 0.0000005;
GDR β = 0.160; t = 5.023; P < 0.000001), Age (being older) (UK β = 0.150; t = 4.725;
P < 0.00001; GDR β =0.125; t = 4.075; P < 0.00005), not taking a Negative view
of Masculinity (UK β = 0.101; t = −3.458; P < 0.001; GDR β = −0.118; t = −4.014;
P < 0.0001), and Health Satisfaction (UK β = 0.124; t = 3.785; P < 0.0001; GDR
β = 0.118; t = 3.897; P < 0.0001). In addition, in the UK, Education Satisfaction
was the fourth strongest predictor of PMI (β = 0.105; t = 3.578; P < 0.0005), and in
Germany, Having a Positive View of Masculinity was the fifth strongest predictor of
PMI (β = 0.097; t = 3.647; P < 0.0005).
Conclusions: These findings are discussed in relation to whether the negative view
of masculinity often cited in the media and elsewhere is having a negative impact on
men’s mental health.