The Impact of Toxic Masculinity on Restrictive Emotionality and Mental Health Seeking Support

Abstract

Many men struggle, at least occasionally, to talk about their feelings and to seek mental health support. Previous research has attributed this to gendered social norms requiring men to be tough and confident. In the present research, we investigate, across two studies, the role toxic masculinity, defined as the over-exaggeration of masculine social norms that perpetuate misogyny, plays in restrictive emotionality and intention to seek health support, as well as underlying mechanisms. Consistent with our predictions, we found that toxic masculinity, and associated variables such as aggression and dominance, were strongly linked to restrictive emotionality. Contrary to our predictions however, restrictive emotionality, but not toxic masculinity, predicted men’s avoidance in seeking help for emotional problems and having suicidal thoughts. We discuss implications, limitations, and directions for future research to address issues surrounding men’s mental health and improving service accessibility