Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-94fs2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-10-31T23:36:39.745Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Men and Depression: The Impact of Masculine Role Norms Throughout the Lifespan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2012

Simon Rice*
Affiliation:
Australian Catholic University, Melbourne Orygen Youth Health, Melbourne
Barry Fallon
Affiliation:
Deakin University, Melbourne
Matthew Bambling
Affiliation:
University of Queensland, Brisbane
*
Address for correspondence: Simon Rice, Orygen Youth Health, Locked Bag 10 Parkville VIC 3052, Australia. Email: rice.simon@mh.org.au
Get access

Abstract

While the etiology of gender roles across the lifespan remains a matter for debate, conformity to masculine norms has been associated with poorer physical and mental health outcomes amongst men. This study reports data from two online samples of Australian men (Ns = 343, 525), focusing on age group differences for masculinity and depression. Consistent with prediction, cross-sectional data reported that conformity to masculine norms attenuated throughout the lifespan. Further, both samples indicated that the relationship between masculinity and depression increased with age. Findings are interpreted within the context of men resolving gender role–related conflicts across the lifespan.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)