The relationship between help-seeking attitudes and masculine norms among monozygotic male twins discordant for sexual orientation.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

In general, heterosexual men are less favorable to asking for help compared to women and gay men. This can be problematic if a man avoids professional help when he is experiencing significant psychological distress. Yet, it is unclear to what degree such attitudes among men are due to innate differences or social environments. Studying twins provides one avenue for teasing apart these relationships.

Method

We recruited 38 pairs of monozygotic male twins (Mage = 35.87 years, SD = 9.52) raised together and who were discordant for sexual orientation. They completed measures of psychological distress (Symptom Checklist-90-Revised), positive attitudes toward psychological help-seeking behavior, and emphasis with fulfilling traditional masculine norms.

Results

Con

SUBMITTER: Sanchez FJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4031032 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature