Men Who Strongly Follow These Masculine Beliefs May Face Higher Mental Health Risks

A growing body of psychological research suggests that certain rigid views about masculinity may be linked to poorer mental health outcomes in men. According to a study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology, men who strongly believe in dominance over women or embrace highly stereotypical “playboy” attitudes were more likely to report psychological distress than men who did not hold those beliefs.

The findings do not excuse harmful behaviour toward women. Researchers and mental health experts stress that individuals remain responsible for their actions. However, the study highlights how strict social expectations around masculinity may affect emotional well-being and discourage men from seeking help.

Study

The research was conducted by scholars from Indiana University Bloomington and examined data from 78 separate studies involving nearly 20,000 participants.

Researchers explored the relationship between mental health and conformity to traditional masculine norms. These norms included beliefs and behaviours often socially associated with masculinity, such as:

The researchers then compared these attitudes with indicators of mental health and willingness to seek psychological support.

Findings

Among all the behaviours studied, two showed the strongest connection to poorer mental health outcomes:

• Believing in power and control over women
• Strong identification with “playboy” behaviour

Men who scored higher in these categories were more likely to experience emotional difficulties, stress, or psychological problems. They were also less likely to seek professional help or therapy.

The study did not conclude that misogynistic attitudes directly cause mental illness. Researchers noted that the relationship may work in multiple ways. Some men may already struggle with emotional or psychological issues and adopt rigid masculine behaviours as a coping mechanism. Others may experience distress after trying to meet unrealistic social expectations tied to masculinity.

Either way, the association remained consistent throughout the research.

Pressure

Psychologists have long studied how social expectations influence behaviour and emotional health. Traditional ideas about masculinity often encourage men to appear emotionally tough, dominant, and independent.

For some individuals, constantly trying to meet these standards may create emotional strain.

Experts say emotional suppression can become particularly harmful over time. Men who feel pressured to avoid vulnerability may struggle to process stress, rejection, loneliness, or insecurity in healthy ways.

Here is how some rigid masculine expectations may affect mental health:

Mental health professionals increasingly argue that healthier emotional expression and communication are important for long-term well-being.

Behaviour

The study also raises broader questions about how harmful attitudes toward women develop.

Researchers noted that men who strongly believe in controlling women or treating relationships as conquests may also struggle with insecurity, self-esteem issues, or emotional isolation. However, experts caution against oversimplifying the issue.

Not all men who follow traditional masculine norms experience mental health problems. Likewise, mental health challenges do not automatically lead to misogynistic behaviour.

The findings instead suggest that rigid and extreme versions of masculinity may increase emotional pressure and reduce healthy coping mechanisms.

Help

One of the most significant concerns identified in the research was reluctance to seek support.

Men who strongly adhered to traditional masculine ideals were less likely to pursue therapy, counselling, or emotional support. Researchers believe this may stem from cultural messages that associate help-seeking with weakness.

Mental health professionals say this stigma remains a major barrier for many men worldwide.

Common signs of untreated emotional distress may include:

• Increased anger or irritability
• Withdrawal from relationships
• Risk-taking behaviour
• Substance misuse
• Difficulty expressing emotions
• Chronic stress or anxiety

Experts encourage open conversations around mental health and emotional well-being for both men and women.

Change

Researchers and educators increasingly support teaching healthier and more flexible ideas about masculinity from a young age.

Rather than linking manhood to dominance, emotional suppression, or control, many psychologists advocate for values such as empathy, communication, emotional awareness, and mutual respect.

Supporters of these approaches argue that healthier relationship models benefit everyone involved, including men themselves.

Social attitudes around masculinity have gradually shifted in recent years, especially as conversations around mental health become more common. However, researchers say cultural expectations and stereotypes still play a powerful role in shaping behaviour.

Reality

The study highlights an important psychological pattern rather than a simple cause-and-effect conclusion. Men who strongly conform to rigid, misogynistic ideas about masculinity may face higher risks of emotional distress, while also being less likely to seek help.

Researchers emphasize that harmful behaviour toward women should never be excused. At the same time, the findings suggest that unhealthy social expectations around masculinity may negatively affect both relationships and mental health.

Knowing these patterns may help encourage healthier emotional habits, better communication, and more balanced ideas about masculinity in future generations.

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