Objectives: Masculinity is sometimes presumed to be a cause of mental health problems and antisocial behavior in men. This study sought to identify the predictors of men's mental well-being, including their attitudes to masculinity.
Methods: 4,025 men from the UK and Germany (GDR) were asked about their core values, which areas of their life they felt were important, and their opinions about masculinity., Their mental well-being was measured using the Positive Mindset Index (PMI). Multiple linear regression assessed the degree to which their answers were linked to their mental well-being.
Results: The results in both countries were similar. The main predictors of higher PMI scores were Personal Growth Satisfaction (UK β = 0.211; t = 6.146; P < 0.0000005; GDR β = 0.160; t = 5.023; P < 0.000001), Age (being older) (UK β = 0.150; t = 4.725; P < 0.00001; GDR β =0.125; t = 4.075; P < 0.00005), not taking a Negative view of Masculinity (UK β = 0.101; t = -3.458; P < 0.001; GDR β = -0.118; t = -4.014; P < 0.0001), and Health Satisfaction (UK β = 0.124; t = 3.785; P < 0.0001; GDR β = 0.118; t = 3.897; P < 0.0001). In addition, in the UK, Education Satisfaction was the fourth strongest predictor of PMI (β = 0.105; t = 3.578; P < 0.0005), and in Germany, Having a Positive View of Masculinity was the fifth strongest predictor of PMI (β = 0.097; t = 3.647; P < 0.0005).
Conclusions: These findings are discussed in relation to whether the negative view of masculinity often cited in the media and elsewhere is having a negative impact on men's mental health.
Keywords: Masculinity; age; men’s mental health; personal growth; well-being.
Copyright: © International Journal of Health Sciences.