The Influence of Masculine Norms and Mental Health on Health Literacy Among Men: Evidence From the Ten to Men Study

Background: Adherence to masculine norms, such as self-reliance, has been thought to predict lower health literacy. Additionally, males with poor mental health may have low health literacy. Using two waves of the Ten to Men cohort, the current study examined whether masculinity and depressive symptomology explained three aspects of health literacy among men. Methods: Three subscales of the Health Literacy Questionnaire were used as the outcomes: Ability to find good health information; Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers, and Feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers. Exposures were masculine norms, measured by the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI-22), and depressive symptoms, measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). We controlled for confounders of the relationship between exposure and outcome. Ordinary least squares regression was used to assess the CMNI and depressive symptoms (measured in Wave 1) on health literacy (measured in Wave 2). Results: Across all three health literacy scales, increased global conformity to masculine norms was associated with a decrease in health literacy. Moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were likewise associated with a decrease in health literacy on all three scales, with the effects particularly strong for “Ability to engage with healthcare providers” (coef. −1.54, 95% CI [−1.84, −1.24], p value < .001). Conclusions: The results of this article highlight that both conformity to masculine norms and depressive symptoms may be predictors of health literacy among men. The results of this study suggest the need for health literacy media campaigns that address the complexities of gendered help-seeking behaviors. Trial registration: Not applicable.

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Unintended Birth and Children’s Long-term Mental Health

Journal of Health and Social Behavior ◽

10.1177/0022146517717037 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 58 (3) ◽

pp. 357-370 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jessica Houston Su

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Early Adulthood ◽

Ordinary Least Squares ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Least Squares Regression ◽

Pregnancy Intentions ◽

Unintended Birth ◽

Unintended Pregnancies

Research has examined the proximate effects of unintended birth on infants and young children, but we know relatively little about the longer-term effects. Given that unintended birth is associated with several childhood risk factors, it might set the stage for poor mental health in adulthood. Drawing on rich intergenerational survey data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 ( N = 3,742), this study used a variety of statistical techniques to examine whether maternal pregnancy intentions are associated with children’s depressive symptoms during early adulthood. Results from ordinary least squares regression suggest that children resulting from unintended pregnancies experienced more depressive symptoms in their 20s than children resulting from intended pregnancies, controlling for a host of characteristics. Results from propensity-weighted and sibling fixed-effects models suggest that there is little to no causal relationship, however. Much of the initial association between maternal fertility intentions and children’s depressive symptoms is attributed to the mother’s sociodemographic characteristics.

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Adherence to Masculine Norms and Depressive Symptoms in Young Black Men

Social Work ◽

10.1093/sw/swaa029 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 65 (3) ◽

pp. 235-244

Author(s):

Janelle R Goodwill ◽

Natasha C Johnson ◽

Daphne C Watkins

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Black Men ◽

Service Providers ◽

Emotional Control ◽

Conformity To Masculine Norms ◽

Masculine Norms ◽

Self Reliance ◽

Mental Wellness ◽

Survey Responses

Abstract Recent reports have highlighted disparities in representation of Black men within research, calling for more work to be done with this group. The authors take up this call by exploring whether adherence to masculine norms influences mental health outcomes among young Black men. The sample included survey responses from 18- to 30-year-old Black men (N = 273) enrolled at five colleges and universities in the midwestern United States. Two theoretically relevant subscales from the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (that is, self-reliance and emotional control) were used to measure adherence to masculine norms, and depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that the model fit the data well. Furthermore, self-reliance was associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms (β = .358, p < .001), but emotional control was not (β = .137, p = .099). Study findings suggest that depression treatment interventions should be tailored to incorporate aspects of masculinity that are most salient to young Black men. In addition, social work researchers, clinicians, and service providers are uniquely positioned to contribute to the promotion of mental wellness among this underserved population and should be prepared to attend to young Black men’s mental health needs.

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Mental health, coping, and social support among people living with HIV in the Americas: A comparative study between Argentina and the USA during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-109131/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Deborah L. Jones ◽

Jamile Ballivian ◽

Violeta J. Rodriguez ◽

Claudia Uribe ◽

Diego Cecchini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Ordinary Least Squares ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Least Squares Regression ◽

Coping With Stress ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic pose significant risk to mental health and may disproportionately affect people living with HIV (PLWH). This study examined the interaction of social support and resilient coping in predicting depressive symptoms among PLWH.Methods: PLWH residing in Buenos Aires, Argentina and in Miami, Florida (US) were asked to complete an anonymous survey on the impact of COVID-19. Statistical analysis included ordinary least squares regression.Results: A total of 1,554 participants were included. Mean age was 47.30 years; 63.7 % were men. A test of three-way interaction of social support resilient coping study site indicated differences by site (b = -0.63.862, p = .043010, 95% CI [-1.24, -0.02.205, 1.52]). In Argentina, at higher social support and resilient coping, depressive symptoms were lowest. At lower social support and resilient coping, depressive symptoms were highest.Discussion: The impact of COVID-19 on mental health illustrates the need to develop innovative strategies to support resilience and to enhance coping with stress and adversity among PLWH.

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Associations between conformity to masculine norms and depression: age effects from a population study of Australian men

BMC Psychology ◽

10.1186/s40359-021-00533-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Danielle Herreen ◽

Simon Rice ◽

Dianne Currier ◽

Marisa Schlichthorst ◽

Ian Zajac

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Age Groups ◽

Age Group ◽

Strict Adherence ◽

Conformity To Masculine Norms ◽

Masculine Norms ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Depression History

Abstract Background Strict adherence to masculine norms has been associated with deleterious consequences for the physical and mental health of men. However, population-based research is lacking, and it remains unclear whether ageing influences adherence to masculine norms and the extent to which mental health problems like depression are implicated. Methods This study reports on data from 14,516 males aged 15–55 years who participated in Wave 1 of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Male Health (Ten to Men). Group differences in self-reported conformity to masculine norms (CMNI-22), current depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and self-reported 12-month depression history were examined for males aged 15–17 years, 18–25 years, 26–35 years, 36–50 years, and 51–55 years. Generalised linear models were used to examine the relationships between these variables across age groups. Results Conformity to masculine norms decreased significantly with age. However, models predicting depression generally showed that higher conformity to masculine norms was associated with an increased risk of current depressive symptoms, especially in the oldest age group. Conversely, higher conformity was associated with a decreased likelihood of a self-reported 12-month depression history, although nuances were present between age groups, such that this trend was not evident in the oldest age group. Conclusions Findings provide important insights into the complex relationship between conformity to masculine norms and depressive symptoms across the lifespan and further highlight the importance of mental health campaigns that address the complexities of gendered help-seeking behaviour for men.

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Long work hours, weekend working and depressive symptoms in men and women: findings from a UK population-based study

Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health ◽

10.1136/jech-2018-211309 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 73 (5) ◽

pp. 465-474 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Gillian Weston ◽

Afshin Zilanawala ◽

Elizabeth Webb ◽

Livia A Carvalho ◽

Anne McMunn

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Ordinary Least Squares ◽

Population Based ◽

Work Hours ◽

Least Squares Regression ◽

Work Patterns ◽

Men And Women ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

The Uk

BackgroundGlobalised and 24/7 business operations have fuelled demands for people to work long hours and weekends. Research on the mental health effects of these intensive temporal work patterns is sparse, contradictory or has not considered gender differences. Our objective was to examine the relationship between these work patterns and depressive symptoms in a large nationally representative sample of working men and women in the UK.MethodThe current study analysed data from Understanding Society, the UK Household Longitudinal Study, of 11 215 men and 12 188 women in employment or self-employment at the time of the study. Ordinary least squares regression models, adjusted for potential confounders and psychosocial work factors, were used to estimate depressive symptoms across categories of work hours and weekend work patterns.ResultsRelative to a standard 35–40 hours/week, working 55 hours/week or more related to more depressive symptoms among women (ß=0.75, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.39), but not for men (ß=0.24, 95% CI −0.10 to 0.58). Compared with not working weekends, working most or all weekends related to more depressive symptoms for both men (ß=0.34, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.61) and women (ß=0.50, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.79); however, working some weekends only related to more depressive symptoms for men (ß=0.33, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.55), not women (ß=0.17, 95% CI −0.09 to 0.42).ConclusionIncreased depressive symptoms were independently linked to working extra-long hours for women, whereas increased depressive symptoms were associated with working weekends for both genders, suggesting these work patterns may contribute to worse mental health.

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Perfectionism in the transition to university: Comparing diathesis-stress and downward spiral models of depressive symptoms

10.31234/osf.io/5fdr8 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Shelby L. Levine ◽

Marina Milyavskaya

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

First Year ◽

First Year Students ◽

Personal Standards ◽

Downward Spiral ◽

Personal Standards Perfectionism ◽

Spiral Model ◽

Diathesis Stress Model

Transitioning to university may be especially difficult for students who expect perfection from themselves. Self-critical perfectionism has consistently been linked to poor mental health. The current study compares a diathesis-stress and a downward spiral model, to determine why self-critical perfectionism is detrimental for mental health during this transition. First-year students (N=658) were recruited prior to beginning university in August and contacted again in October, January, and April. Participants completed measures on perfectionism, stress and depressive symptoms. Evidence was found for a downward spiral model with self-critical perfectionism, but not a diathesis-stress model. Students higher in self-critical perfectionism were more likely to experience increased stress and depressive symptoms in a circular and additive manner. Conversely, students higher in personal standards perfectionism experienced less stress and subsequent depressive symptoms. This research provides a theoretical model for why self-critical perfectionism is related to poor mental health outcomes which become sustained over time.

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Mental health, compliance with measures and health prospects during the COVID-19 epidemic: the role of health literacy

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11437-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lize Hermans ◽

Stephan Van den Broucke ◽

Lydia Gisle ◽

Stefaan Demarest ◽

Rana Charafeddine

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

At Risk ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Prevalence Ratio ◽

Physical Distance ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Infection Prevalence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Normal Life ◽

Low Health Literacy

Abstract Background The importance of health literacy in dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic has been emphasized but scarcely addressed empirically. In this study, the association of health literacy with mental health, compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures and health prospects was assessed in a Belgian context. Methods Data were extracted from the third of a series of cross-sectional online COVID-related surveys (n = 32,794). Data collection took place for 1 week starting the 28th of May 2020. People residing in Belgium and aged 18 years or older could participate. Data were collected on sociodemographic background, health literacy, multimorbidity, mental health (depression, anxiety, sleeping disorder, vitality), knowledge about COVID-19, compliance with COVID-19 measures (hygiene, physical distance, covering mouth and nose on public transport and in places where physical distance cannot be respected), and health prospects (risk for health when returning to normal life and possibility of infection). Prevalence Ratio (PR) of poor mental health, non-compliance with the measures and health prospects in relation to health literacy were calculated using Poisson regressions. Results People showing sufficient health literacy were less likely to suffer from anxiety disorders (PR = 0.47, 95% CI = [0.42–0.53]), depression (PR = 0.46, 95% CI = [0.40–0.52]) and sleeping disorders (PR = 0.85, 95% CI = [0.82–0.87]), and more likely to have optimal vitality (PR = 2.41, 95% CI = [2.05–2.84]) than people with low health literacy. They were less at risk of not complying with the COVID-19 measures (PR between 0.60 and 0.83) except one (covering mouth and nose in places where physical distance cannot be respected). Finally, they were less likely to perceive returning to normal life as threatening (PR = 0.70, 95% CI = [0.65–0.77]) and to consider themselves at risk of an infection with COVID-19 (PR = 0.75, 95% CI = [0.67–0.84]). The associations remained significant after controlling for COVID-19 knowledge and multimorbidity. Conclusions These results suggest that health literacy is a crucial factor in managing the COVID-19 epidemic and offer a perspective for future studies that target health literacy in the context of virus outbreaks.

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Mental health and sleep habits/problems in children aged 3–4 years: a population study

BioPsychoSocial Medicine ◽

10.1186/s13030-021-00213-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Fumie Horiuchi ◽

Kentaro Kawabe ◽

Yasunori Oka ◽

Kiwamu Nakachi ◽

Rie Hosokawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Control Group ◽

Sleep Habits ◽

Psychological Burden ◽

Wake Time ◽

Health Group

Abstract Background Sleep is essential for mental health at all ages, but few studies have investigated the importance of sleep for mental health in early childhood. Therefore, this study examined the association between mental health and sleep habits/problems in children aged 3–4 years. Methods Children aged 3 to 4 years who were living in the community (n = 415; 211/204 boys/girls) were recruited for this study. Their mental health was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and their sleep habits/problems were evaluated using the Child and Adolescent Sleep Checklist. Results Based on the total difficulties score of the SDQ, the children were divided into two groups: a poor mental health group (n = 76) and a control group (n = 339). In terms of sleep habits, which included total sleep time, bedtime, wake time, and nap conditions, there were no differences between the two groups. Regarding sleep-related problems, however, anxiety before going to sleep (p = 0.026), circadian rhythm abnormalities (p = 0.014), and sleepiness during classes outside of naptimes (p = 0.031) were significantly higher in the poor mental health group than in the control group. Multiple regression analysis showed that poor mental health status was significantly associated with sleepiness and snoring (p = 0.017 and p = 0.018, respectively). Conclusions The mental health status of 3–4-year-old children was associated with sleep-related problems, namely sleepiness and snoring. Healthcare providers should pay attention to children’s irregular sleep-wake patterns; moreover, interventions for appropriate sleep hygiene will reduce the psychological burden on both children and their families.

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Military spouses with deployed partners are at greater risk of poor perinatal mental health: a scoping review

Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps ◽

10.1136/jramc-2018-001069 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 165 (5) ◽

pp. 363-370 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lauren Rose Godier-McBard ◽

L Ibbitson ◽

C Hooks ◽

M Fossey

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Well Being ◽

Perinatal Period ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Military Spouses ◽

Perinatal Mental Health

BackgroundPoor mental health in the perinatal period is associated with a number of adverse outcomes for the individual and the wider family. The unique circumstances in which military spouses/partners live may leave them particularly vulnerable to developing perinatal mental health (PMH) problems.MethodsA scoping review was carried out to review the literature pertaining to PMH in military spouses/partners using the methodology outlined by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). Databases searched included EBSCO, Gale Cengage Academic OneFile, ProQuest and SAGE.ResultsThirteen papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria, all from the USA, which looked a PMH or well-being in military spouses. There was a strong focus on spousal deployment as a risk factor for depressive symptoms and psychological stress during the perinatal period. Other risk factors included a lack of social/emotional support and increased family-related stressors. Interventions for pregnant military spouses included those that help them develop internal coping strategies and external social support.ConclusionsUS literature suggests that military spouses are particularly at risk of PMH problems during deployment of their serving partner and highlights the protective nature of social support during this time. Further consideration needs to be made to apply the findings to UK military spouses/partners due to differences in the structure and nature of the UK and US military and healthcare models. Further UK research is needed, which would provide military and healthcare providers with an understanding of the needs of this population allowing effective planning and strategies to be commissioned and implemented.

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Shame Mediates the Relationship Between Pain Invalidation and Depression

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.743584 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Brandon L. Boring ◽

Kaitlyn T. Walsh ◽

Namrata Nanavaty ◽

Vani A. Mathur

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Withdrawal ◽

Well Being ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Future Research ◽

Internalized Shame ◽

Self Worth ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

The experience of pain is subjective, yet many people have their pain invalidated or not believed. Pain invalidation is associated with poor mental health, including depression and lower well-being. Qualitative investigations of invalidating experiences identify themes of depression, but also social withdrawal, self-criticism, and lower self-worth, all of which are core components of shame. Despite this, no studies have quantitatively assessed the interrelationship between pain invalidation, shame, and depression. To explore this relationship, participants recounted the frequency of experienced pain invalidation from family, friends, and medical professionals, as well as their feelings of internalized shame and depressive symptoms. As shame has been shown to be a precursor for depression, we further explored the role of shame as a mediator between pain invalidation and depressive symptoms. All sources of pain invalidation were positively associated with shame and depressive symptoms, and shame fully mediated the relationship between each source of pain invalidation and depression. Relative to other sources, pain invalidation from family was most closely tied to shame and depression. Overall, findings indicate that one mechanism by which pain invalidation may facilitate depression is via the experience of shame. Future research may explore shame as a potential upstream precursor to depression in the context of pain. Findings provide more insight into the harmful influence of pain invalidation on mental health and highlight the impact of interpersonal treatment on the experiences of people in pain.

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