Psychology

Linking gender-role conflict to nonnormative and self-stigmatizing perceptions of alcohol abuse and depression

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the theoretical assumption that individuals adhering to proscriptive masculine roles may be more likely to have negative perceptions of mental health problems, which may lower their likelihood of help seeking (M. E. Addis & J. R. Mahalik, 2003). Participants were 120 undergraduate students who completed measures assessing negative perceptions (nonnormativeness and self-stigma) of alcohol abuse and depression and adherence to proscriptive gender roles. Both men and women who endorsed experiences and beliefs associated with proscriptive masculine gender roles were more likely to perceive problems negatively. Alcohol abuse was seen as more self-stigmatizing than depression, but no mean differences emerged in perceptions of normativeness. Findings have implications for the development of gender-sensitive interventions aimed at facilitating help seeking.

Publication Title

Psychology of Men and Masculinity

Publication Date

2005

Volume

6

Issue

2

First Page

127

Last Page

136

ISSN

1524-9220

DOI

10.1037/1524-9220.6.2.127

Keywords

masculine, men's health, help-seeking, depression, alcohol abuse

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