Rigid Masculine Norms Linked to Poorer Mental Health in Men, Study Finds

A 2016 Journal of Counseling Psychology analysis of 78 studies (nearly 20,000 participants) found men who subscribe to rigid masculine norms and misogynistic attitudes—such as exerting power over women or Playboy-like behaviors—are more likely to report poorer mental health and are less likely to seek treatment, though causality isn’t established. The findings suggest these harmful norms affect men and highlight the need to rethink upbringing to reduce domination beliefs.