Dataset Information

Associations between conformity to masculine norms and depression: age effects from a population study of Australian men.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Strict adherence to masculine norms has been associated with deleterious consequences for the physical and mental health of men. However, population-based research is lacking, and it remains unclear whether ageing influences adherence to masculine norms and the extent to which mental health problems like depression are implicated.

Methods

This study reports on data from 14,516 males aged 15-55 years who participated in Wave 1 of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Male Health (Ten to Men). Group differences in self-reported conformity to masculine norms (CMNI-22), current depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and self-reported 12-month depression history were examined for males aged 15-17 years, 18-25 years, 26-35 years, 36-50 years, and 51-55 years. Generalised linear models were used to examine the relationships between these variables across age groups.

Results

Conformity to masculine norms decreased significantly with age. However, models predicting depression generally showed that higher conformity to masculine norms was associated with an increased risk of current depressive symptoms, especially in the oldest age group. Conversely, higher conformity was associated with a decreased likelihood of a self-reported 12-month depression history, although nuances were present between age groups, such that this trend was not evident in the oldest age group.

Conclusions

Findings provide important insights into the complex relationship between conformity to masculine norms and depressive symptoms across the lifespan and further highlight the importance of mental health campaigns that address the complexities of gendered help-seeking behaviour for men.

SUBMITTER: Herreen D

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7893732 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Associations between conformity to masculine norms and depression: age effects from a population study of Australian men.

Herreen Danielle D Rice Simon S Currier Dianne D Schlichthorst Marisa M Zajac Ian I

BMC psychology 20210219 1

<h4>Background</h4>Strict adherence to masculine norms has been associated with deleterious consequences for the physical and mental health of men. However, population-based research is lacking, and it remains unclear whether ageing influences adherence to masculine norms and the extent to which mental health problems like depression are implicated.<h4>Methods</h4>This study reports on data from 14,516 males aged 15-55 years who participated in Wave 1 of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Male ...[more]

PMID: 33608063

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Project description:PURPOSE:A traditional male role orientation is considered to increase the risk of depression and preventing men from disclosing symptoms of mental illness and seeking professional help. Less is known about the variance of masculinity orientations in men already treated for depression and their role in the treatment process. In this study, patterns of masculinity norms and work role orientations will be identified among men treated for depression. Associations of these patterns with depressive symptoms, stigma and delay in professional help-seeking will be investigated. METHODS:In a cross-sectional study, male role orientations (MRNS), work-related attitudes (AVEM), symptoms of mental disorders (PHQ), and attitudes related to stigma of mental illness (DSS) were assessed by standardized methods in a sample of 250 men treated for depression in general medical, psychiatric and psychotherapeutic services. Data were analyzed by means of latent profile analysis (LPA), by multinomial and linear regression models, and by path analysis. RESULTS:The results of LPA revealed three latent classes of men treated for depression. Men assigned to class one reported a less traditional male role orientation, low professional ambitions and low coping capacities; men assigned to class two reported a traditional masculinity orientation, high professional ambitions but low coping capacities; men assigned to class three reported less traditional masculinity tended orientations, medium professional ambitions and high coping capacities. Men assigned to classes one and two to have more stigmatizing attitudes, longer periods of untreated illness and more severe symptoms of mental disorders, in comparison to men assigned to class three. CONCLUSIONS:Overall, this study reveals that traditional masculinity norms and work-role orientations in men treated for depression are associated with a worse mental health status. Our study results also suggest that a slackening of traditional masculinity norms is associated with improved psychological well-being if it does not coincide with a complete distancing from professional ambitions and a lack of ability to cope with professional stress.

Dataset Information

Associations between conformity to masculine norms and depression: age effects from a population study of Australian men.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Associations between conformity to masculine norms and depression: age effects from a population study of Australian men.

Similar Datasets

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