The Impact Of Gender Roles On Mental Health

We internalize cues about what’s expected of us from an early age. The construct of gender roles and stereotypes often inform these cues—women may be expected to be nurturing and embrace caretaking roles, while men may feel pressure to show strength and resilience. However, in some cases, these expectations associated with gender roles may have a significant impact on mental health. 

In this article, we will explore how society reinforces gender roles of men and women and how they may impact an individual’s mental health. We’ll also offer strategies for overcoming unrealistic expectations and embracing authenticity in your gender identity.

Gender roles explained

Gender roles are societal expectations and norms that define how individuals should behave, act, and present themselves based on their perceived sexual attributes or gender identity. Cultural, historical, and social factors often influence these gender-related roles and vary across different societies and time periods.

Traditionally, gender roles have been binary, with distinct expectations for men and women. For example, stereotypical gender roles may include the expectation that men should be strong, assertive, and the primary breadwinners, while women are directly or tacitly prompted to be nurturing, caring, and focused on domestic responsibilities.

This “traditional” approach may lead individuals to believe they should act in a manner counter to their personality so they can fit the expectations of their gender role. However, traditional gender roles have long been criticized for a lack of gender equality, and individuals with a gender identity that doesn’t fit “man” or “woman,” or a gender counter to their assigned gender at birth (AGAB), may be overlooked or dismissed altogether.

Traditional gender roles and mental health

Sometimes, expectations related to gender stereotypes may interfere with an individual's well-being and personal growth. Gender roles can significantly impact mental health, influencing individuals' emotional well-being, self-esteem, and overall psychological state. Here are some ways in which gender roles can negatively affect mental health:

Emotional suppression

Gender roles often affect the way individuals express emotions. For example, men may feel pressured to suppress emotions, such as sadness, fear, or vulnerability, as they are expected to embody stoicism and strength. On the other hand, women may feel pressured to prioritize nurturing and caregiving roles, which can result in neglecting their own emotional needs. The suppression of emotions can lead to increased stress, internal conflict, and difficulties in forming authentic connections with others.

Self-esteem issues

Conforming to rigid gender roles can impact self-esteem. Those who feel they do not meet societal expectations based on their gender may experience feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, or a sense of failure. For instance, men who don’t fulfill the traditional masculine ideal of being strong and successful may develop feelings of shame or diminished self-worth. Women who struggle to meet unrealistic standards of beauty and femininity may experience body dissatisfaction and lowered self-esteem.

Perfectionism and pressure

Gender roles may impose high expectations and pressure on individuals to adhere to societal norms. Men may feel compelled to demonstrate constant competence and independence, while women may face pressure to excel in multiple roles simultaneously (e.g., career and family). The pursuit of perfectionism to meet these expectations can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm.

Stigma and discrimination

Individuals who challenge or deviate from traditional gender roles may face stigma, discrimination, and social rejection. For example, men may be less likely to seek help for mental health concerns due to the societal expectation that men should be strong and resilient. On the other hand, women may be less willing to seek help for postpartum depression due to cultural ideas about motherhood and caretaking.

Limited opportunities and growth

Gender roles can restrict individuals' opportunities for personal and professional growth. For instance, women may face barriers in pursuing careers in male-dominated fields due to stereotypes and bias. Men may feel limited in expressing their interests or pursuing non-traditional hobbies due to fears of judgment or ridicule. These limitations can lead to frustration, dissatisfaction, and a sense of unfulfilled potential.

Non-conforming gender roles and mental health

Those who defy gender norms or embrace non-conforming gender roles may face unique mental health challenges. For example, women who choose not to have children may experience societal pressure or judgment for deviating from traditional gender roles. They may face criticism or feel ostracized for their decision, which can contribute to feelings of isolation, guilt, or self-doubt. 

Additionally, those identifying as transgender, genderqueer, or non-binary may face discrimination, stigma, and systemic barriers that can significantly impact their mental health. Fear of rejection and violence can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma. Studies have shown that transgender individuals have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns compared to the general population. 

Of those identifying as transgender, 82% have contemplated taking their own life, and 40% have attempted suicide. These figures indicate a significant disparity in suicidal ideation between transgender and cisgender individuals, prompting an urgent need to provide mental healthcare services to those more likely to experience gender-related stigma and violence.

Supportive social networks and mental health resources can help mitigate the negative impact on mental health. Thus, in addition to connecting with supportive communities, it may be beneficial for those living outside of traditional gender norms to seek mental health support. 

Overcoming gender roles

Overcoming gender roles can be an empowering journey that involves embracing your authentic self. Here are some steps you can take to overcome gender roles:

Self-reflection

Take time to reflect on your beliefs, values, and experiences related to gender. Question whether assumptions and expectations have been imposed upon you by society. Explore how these roles have influenced your self-perception and behaviors.

Education and awareness

Educate yourself about gender diversity, stereotypes, and the experiences of those who defy traditional gender roles. Your learning may involve reading books and articles or watching documentaries that explore these topics. Engage in conversations and seek out diverse perspectives to broaden your understanding.

Self-acceptance

Embrace and accept your own gender identity, regardless of societal expectations. Recognize that gender is a spectrum and that there are no "right" or "wrong" ways to express yourself. Give yourself permission to break free from the constraints of traditional gender roles and be true to who you are.

Awareness of stereotypes

Be mindful of the language you use, your assumptions, and your expectations of others based on their gender. Encourage and support others in expressing themselves authentically, free from judgment or expectations.

Boundaries

Boundaries can help you safeguard yourself from unwanted influences or pressure. Surround yourself with people who respect and support you. Learn to say no to expectations that do not align with your authentic self.

Community

Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or communities that affirm and accept your authentic self.

Therapy or counseling

Consider connecting with a therapist. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for exploring gender roles and gender identity, processing emotions, and developing coping strategies to navigate the challenges along the way.

Addressing gender roles in therapy

Therapy can be helpful for overcoming gender stereotypes and embracing your authentic self. Therapy has been found to benefit three-quarters of clients and can be especially helpful for those experiencing mental health challenges related to stress, pressure, and cultural rejection.

In therapy, you'll have the opportunity to delve into the impact of societal expectations and stereotypes on your mental well-being. Your therapist can help you understand the relationship between society, culture, gender norms, and your personal experience and values. They may help you learn new ways of thinking that better align with your needs and values and teach valuable communication skills or coping strategies for expressing yourself authentically. 

In some situations, seeing a therapist who specializes in identity or has your cultural background may be helpful. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp offer a wider pool of mental health professionals, making it possible to connect with the right therapist for you. Online therapy can be more affordable and is often more convenient than face-to-face therapy, and research has found it to be just as effective.