How Toxic is Traditional Masculinity? A Public Health Perspective
Introduction
We’ve certainly all heard the term “Toxic Masculinity” before, and likely have all heard jokes to the effect that masculinity doesn’t allow for expression of one’s wants or concerns. “Men don’t cry or panic, we squash that all down and have a heart attack by 50” has been a common enough sentiment in jokes about men for decades, but now there might be some proof of such an idea.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open explores how societal expectations surrounding masculinity impact men’s health, particularly regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mental health. Led by Dr. Nathaniel Glasser, the research examined over 4,200 men to analyze how expressions of masculinity, termed male gender expressivity (MGE), correlate with health-seeking behaviors and disease management. Findings suggest that high MGE, often linked to traditional masculinity norms, significantly reduces the likelihood of CVD diagnoses and treatment adherence, potentially increasing unrecognized health risks. These findings highlight the role of masculinity in health outcomes, with implications for cultural adjustments that may benefit both individual and community health.
Study Background and Objectives
In many cultures, masculinity is associated with self-reliance, emotional restraint, and toughness. These values often discourage men from seeking medical help or sharing health concerns, particularly when faced with chronic illnesses like CVD, which benefit from early detection and sustained management. The study sought to determine whether higher MGE in adolescence and early adulthood impacts health engagement, influencing the likelihood of CVD-related diagnoses and adherence to treatments in later years. It hypothesized that men with high MGE may prioritize self-reliance over health, potentially leading to untreated CVD and heightened mental health risks.
Methodology
The researchers analyzed data from the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), which follows male participants from adolescence to adulthood. Participants were assessed on MGE based on responses to questions about traditionally male behaviors, such as reluctance to discuss emotions or seek support. Health outcomes focused on self-reported CVD diagnoses, including hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), as well as treatment adherence.
To account for various socioeconomic and demographic factors, researchers used multivariable regression models, isolating the influence of MGE on CVD risk detection and management behaviors. By tracking health engagement from adolescence through adulthood, the study offered insights into how early adherence to masculine norms impacts long-term health outcomes.
Key Findings
1. Impact on Cardiovascular Disease Diagnoses
The study found that men exhibiting high MGE were less likely to receive timely diagnoses for CVD-related conditions. For example, each standard deviation increase in MGE was associated with a 4% decrease in hypertension diagnosis likelihood among those with elevated blood pressure. In cases of elevated blood sugar, men with higher adolescent MGE were 15% less likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as adults, indicating a pattern of delayed health engagement.
2. Associations with Treatment Compliance
High MGE correlated not only with reduced diagnosis rates but also with lower adherence to prescribed treatments. Men with high MGE were less likely to adhere to antihypertensive and diabetic medications, reflecting broader health disengagement. This trend, often underpinned by cultural norms that equate seeking help with weakness, poses risks to both cardiovascular and overall health.
3. Sociocultural Patterns in Hyperlipidemia Outcomes
The findings also revealed that MGE did not significantly impact the likelihood of diagnosis or treatment for hyperlipidemia. This variation suggests that while masculinity norms broadly affect men’s engagement with health, cultural perceptions of specific diseases may shape behaviors differently. This finding points to potential variances in how masculinity impacts specific health behaviors, emphasizing the need for tailored public health messages.
Public Health and Mental Health Implications
1. Fostering Cultural Norms that Promote Health Engagement
The study underscores the need to adjusts masculinity to incorporate values that encourage health engagement. By fostering cultural narratives that present health-seeking as a proactive, responsible behavior, public health campaigns can normalize discussions about men’s physical and mental health. Cultural adjustments that validate seeking help can alleviate stigma, helping men engage more readily with health services and reducing untreated CVD as well as other significant health risks.
2. Early Education and Resilience Programs
Integrating positive masculinity messaging into early education can empower young men to view health-seeking as part of resilience. School programs that challenge restrictive masculinity norms and promote emotional openness may reduce the pressure on men to ignore symptoms or avoid care. Early discussions around physical and mental health can lay the groundwork for healthier lifestyle choices, reducing the cumulative impact of untreated conditions in adulthood.
3. Addressing Mental Health in Cardiovascular Interventions
Considering the potential cultural and mental health implications of untreated CVD, public health programs could incorporate mental health screenings into routine CVD interventions. Men with high MGE who are at risk for delayed diagnoses may benefit from integrated health services that address both physical and mental health. By reducing stigma and providing comprehensive care, these interventions could support men’s overall well-being and encourage long-term engagement with health services.
4. Encouraging Community and Peer Support Systems
Peer support programs and community-based health initiatives can offer alternative avenues for men to discuss health concerns. By creating spaces where men feel supported and respected, these programs can reduce the mental burden of seeking care, providing a social environment that reinforces positive health behaviors. Such community-based approaches can reframe help-seeking as a responsibility to a larger whole, aligning with culturally sensitive perspectives on masculinity.
Conclusion
This research highlights the importance of considering cultural expectations around masculinity when developing strategies for CVD prevention, treatment adherence, and mental health support. By addressing the effects of high MGE, public health initiatives can encourage men to prioritize health without feeling they are compromising masculinity. Promoting alternative masculinity narratives that align strength with health responsibility can reduce undiagnosed and untreated CVD risks, ultimately benefiting men’s physical and mental well-being.
Redefining masculinity in public health discourse could help dismantle barriers that restrict men from engaging with health services. Such cultural adjustments promise to improve not only individual outcomes but also community health, paving the way for a future where men feel empowered to actively manage both their physical and mental health.
The featured image for this article is from Freerange Stock .