Presenter
Abigail Nosal
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Restrictive masculinity contains rigid traditional norms that reinforce emotional suppression, dominance, and self-reliance, contributing to poor mental health outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine if belief in restrictive masculinity norms was associated with depressive symptoms in young adults. A survey of n=1008 young adults (18-25 years old) living in Rhode Island was completed. Restrictive masculinity was measured using a 12-item questionnaire, and depressive symptoms were measured using the 10-item CES-D10. Logistic regression models, stratified by sexual/gender status, were used to estimate the main effects, after adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, and relative social status. Overall, 45.4% of participants screened positive for depression. The stratified logistic regression models suggest that higher restrictive masculinity scores are associated with greater odds of screening positive for depression (OR[95%CI]=1.05 [1.01,1.10]), but only among cis-gendered heterosexual males. Secondarily, higher relative social status was protective against screening positive for depression but only among cis-gender heterosexual females (OR[95%CI]=0.81 [0.70,0.93]) and participants identifying as a sexual or gender minority (OR[95%CI]=0.74 [0.66,0.83]). Expanding access to mental health screening and targeted education is essential and integrating these into community settings can improve mental health outcomes and societal acceptance of diverse masculinities.
Faculty Mentor
Jonathan Noel, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Academic Discipline
College of Health & Wellness
Repository Citation
Nosal, Abigail, "Restrictive Masculinity and Depression" (2025). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 209.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/209
