Exploring Effects Of The APA's “Traditional Masculinity” On Men And Boys

Medically reviewed by Paige Henry, LMSW, J.D.
Updated December 18, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Content Warning: Please note that this article uses the words “boy,” “boys,” “man,” and “men” as broad terms referring to those who identify as men. This article might also mention trauma-related topics that include abuse which could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Research shows that mental health stigmas of traditional masculinity can socialize boys to suppress their emotions, which can cause mental and physical harm in adulthood. To address the stigmas facing men and boys in mental health, the American Psychological Association (APA) released its first official, which addresses what the APA terms toxic or “traditional” masculinity.

What the APA considers to be aspects of traditional masculinity

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According to the APA, unhealthy aspects of traditional masculinity can lead to:

  • Limited psychological development.

  • Greater possibility of attachment insecurity.

  • Higher likelihood of violent outbursts toward people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

  • Increased potential for strained intimate relationships.

  • Risky or deviant sexual behaviors.

  • Gender role strain and conflict.

  • Higher likelihood of emotional repression.

  • Increased potential for lack of or disrupted intimacy in relationships.

Exploring the harmful effects of traditional masculine norms

Disclaimer: The numbers in parentheses throughout the article refer to the page where quoted information was taken from the APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men (2018). Please refer to the document for further details. 

Traditional ideals for men are formed based on historical myths about what makes a man masculine. This dominant, hegemonic stigma consists of “descriptive, prescriptive, and proscriptive … cognitions about boys and men” (2).

Because these ideals were focused on cisgender heterosexual white men, they impose limitations on folks who identify as nonbinary, transgender, or any other sexual and gender identity.

This worldview includes notions of “anti-femininity, achievement, eschewal of the appearance of weakness, adventure, risk, and violence” (3). The ways that society might perpetuate these standards can vary, although all variations may hinder personal growth and perpetuate cultural divisions. For example, a young boy might be socialized to prefer specific colors, play with certain toys, or act in certain ways toward people of other genders.

Constraining behavior

Traditional notions of masculinity are known to promote and condemn certain behaviors, encouraging boys and men to ignore their personal desires in favor of societal expectations. For example, a man may express interest in ballet rather than football, but since traditional masculinity dictates that ballet is an unsuitable activity for a man, he may forgo his wishes. 

The range of behaviors society may deem appropriate or inappropriate based on traditional masculine ideals is extensive. Boys and men may reject domestic labor such as cooking, doing laundry, or washing dishes while sensing pressure to be the family’s primary breadwinner. Friends, family, and media can perpetuate these ideas and may shame them if they deviate from these roles.

Gender role conflict

Gender role conflict can arise when individuals strictly adhere to gender stereotypes. The APA has identified four primary areas associated with masculine gender role strain, although the experience can vary between individuals:

  • Success

  • Power

  • Competition

  • Restrictive emotionality

Due to these stereotypes, some men might believe that emotionality, affection, and family are exclusively “feminine” domains. As a result, men might prioritize personal achievement or power or experience distress in attaining a work-life balance and raising a family because of this state of internal conflict (3).

Another aspect of the rigid delineation between genders is the idea that boys and men should reject any show of emotions. Because of this, many boys begin repressing their emotions from an early age — continuing the practice into adulthood. This may explain why fewer men seek out therapy than those of other genders, as some men might avoid asking for help or refuse to accept that they experience vulnerability.

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Attachment insecurity

While there can be diversity in parenting approaches dependent on location, culture, affluence, and education, some men may be socialized to reject intimacy and deep attachments with others. This can lead to attachment insecurity.

Traditional masculinity enforces this method and style of socialization by perpetuating the idea that men should be strong, independent individuals who can thrive without external support. Coupled with the difficulty of opening up emotionally, many boys can develop an insecure attachment style that carries into adulthood. However, studies show that, and counseling may help men to promote their psychological growth.

Limited psychological development

Although there are no conclusive brain differences between biological males and biological females, research suggests that boys face a higher likelihood of learning difficulties, such as lower standardized test scores and behavioral issues, including bullying, aggression, and school suspensions (3). These effects can be attributed to societal and cultural constraints that could further limit psychological development in boys and men.

Additionally, men make up the majority of those in correctional facilities, as men are statistically more likely to commit violent crimes. This tendency could be explained by unhealthy socialization according to the standards of traditional masculinity, especially when compared to people of other gender identities. An additional national review shows that men are more likely to misuse substances than those of other genders.1

Violent outbursts toward people with diverse identities

In addition to tending toward violent behavior, men are more likely to commit hate crimes against individuals or groups who identify as gender- and sexually diverse. This propensity can be attributed to traditional masculinity’s inherent attachment to white, cisgender, and heterosexual expressions of self-identity. In its report, the APA confirms this idea, observing that “several controlled experiments have found that adult men who endorse sexist male role norms may aggress against … participants who violate those norms” (9-10).

Strained intimate relationships

Men who subscribe to an unhealthy form of masculinity may condone and commit partner and sexual violence (10). Men might also seek to control relationships through sexual behavior more often than those of other genders.

Although unhealthy perceptions of masculinity may prompt this behavior, it is also possible for men to experience domestic violence. Statistics show that approximately one in three men experience intimate partner violence.2

Risky behaviors

The APA states, “Overall, men engage in fewer health-promoting behaviors [and] more risk-taking behaviors” (16). This could indicate that men are more susceptible to mental and physical harm through participating in threatening behaviors — such as reckless driving, risky sexual encounters, or compulsive spending habits — that traditional masculinity may idealize.

How can men receive support through therapy?

Therapy offers dedicated support for those who perceive barriers to seeking mental health support due to social stigma, including men. Online platforms like BetterHelp offer a way to connect with a therapist who specializes in working with men’s health, regardless of physical location.

As long as there’s a reliable internet connection, online therapy allows users to get professional help from wherever they’re most comfortable. They can also speak with their provider using their preferred method of communication, be it video chats or less invasive options like phone calls and in-app messaging. 

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Exploring the APA's psychological framework

While designed for psychologists, the APA’s Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Boys and Men can also be helpful for men to understand the framework they’ll be working within.

  1. Psychologists strive to recognize that masculinity is constructed based on social, cultural, and contextual norms (6).

  2. Psychologists strive to recognize that boys and men can integrate multiple aspects of their social identities across the lifespan (7).

  3. Psychologists understand the impact of power, privilege, and sexism on the development of boys and men in their relationships with others (9).

  4. Psychologists strive to develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence the interpersonal relationships of boys and men (10).

  5. Psychologists strive to encourage positive father involvement in the lives of children and healthy family relationships (12).

  6. Psychologists strive to support educational efforts that are responsive to the needs of boys and men (13).

  7. Psychologists strive to reduce the high rates of problems boys and men face and act out in their lives, such as aggression, violence, substance use, and suicide (15).3

  8. Psychologists strive to help boys and men engage in health-related behaviors (16).

  9. Psychologists strive to build and promote gender-sensitive psychological services (17).

  10. Psychologists understand and strive to change institutional, cultural, and systemic problems that affect boys and men through advocacy, prevention, and education (19).

While psychologists keep these guidelines in mind, boys and men can experience more comprehensive and personalized care.

The effectiveness of online therapy

Online therapy can support managing and recovering from internal conflict caused by toxic internal beliefs rooted in traditional masculinity. Research indicates that  for a variety of mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. 

Additionally, in one psychological study, researchers assessed the impact of an online suicide prevention intervention and mental health initiative called Man Therapy (MT). They found that men participating in this intervention were significantly more likely to seek professional support.

Takeaway

Boys and men might experience psychologically harmful consequences of traditional masculinity ideology and may, unconsciously or consciously, pass on the ideology to younger generations, which can affect both men and women. APA guidelines address this type of masculinity in a way that can help society become more inclusive and accepting. Reducing the stigma entails understanding that men can be vulnerable and receive support for their problems.

If you're interested in pursuing care, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist to get started. Online platforms like BetterHelp allow you to get the support you want from the comfort of your own home. Take the first step toward getting support and reach out to BetterHelp today.

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