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Social Science & Medicine (1982) Sep 2023Loneliness has been extensively linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Often defined as a subjective emotion, the influence of sex and gender has...
Loneliness has been extensively linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Often defined as a subjective emotion, the influence of sex and gender has regularly been cited as vital to understanding individuals' experiences. Despite this, little research has explored men's perspectives of loneliness using interpretivist approaches. This study addresses this by exploring how gender influences men's constructions and experiences of loneliness in an interview study with a diverse sample of 20 UK-based men. Theoretical thematic analysis led to the generation of a novel conceptualisation of loneliness comprising four interconnected themes: socially negotiated self-worth (an intersubjectively defined mental state); being positively occupied (a mental state of meaningful focus/action); social connections (vital for consistently achieving these mental states); and capacity to form social connections. A second 'layer' in the findings describes how cultural norms of masculinity impacted loneliness defined in this way. Notions of invulnerability and social comparison could render it more difficult for men to form intimate and supportive connections or seek help for loneliness. However, as they were normative, they could also promote self-worth, and facilitate social connections, despite these negative effects. Similarly, masculine roles, in particular family roles, represented a normative framework for preventing loneliness, and could be both beneficial or problematic depending on other aspects of life, identity, or needs. The study offers insight into how men negotiate loneliness within a habitus incorporating multiple and varied gendered norms, values, and structures. Policy and practice interventions could usefully consider and mitigate the risks posed by non-conformity, aim to promote mental states of self-worth and positive occupation, and work to deconstruct masculine norms and values where appropriate.
Topics: Male; Humans; Loneliness; Men; Masculinity; Qualitative Research; United Kingdom; Men's Health
PubMed: 37531906
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116129 -
BMC Public Health Apr 2022Gender-transformative work in the Global South often focuses on transforming 'toxic masculinities' to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV), but there has been little...
BACKGROUND
Gender-transformative work in the Global South often focuses on transforming 'toxic masculinities' to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV), but there has been little research on whether and how constructions of masculinities by men with disabilities shape their experiences and perpetration of violence.
METHODS
We used repeated in-depth interviews and content analysis to understand whether and how physical disability intersects with the construction of masculinities and experience/perpetration of violence among 15 adult men with physical disabilities participating in interventions to prevent IPV in Ghana, Rwanda, and South Africa.
RESULTS
Societal expectations and participants' aspirations around masculinity impacted their vulnerability to violence mainly by men without disabilities. Participants reported experiences of disrespect and social exclusion in their communities and felt incapable of protecting themselves when being violated. Most participants felt they were not providing for their families and perceived themselves as having lost decision-making and positions of power in their homes. They expressed their disappointment with having reduced stamina, virility, and sexual prowess in intimate partnerships as a result of their disability. While participants reported that they could not attain key markers of idealized masculinity, placed upon and often internalized by themselves, they longed to achieve these markers to facilitate their inclusion and acceptance in their communities.
CONCLUSIONS
Programmers addressing violence need to engage with men with physical disabilities and consider the intersectionality of masculinities and disability, how these reinforce patriarchal norms and how men with disabilities can be included and enabled to overcome their conflict between disability and masculinities.
Topics: Adult; Disabled Persons; Humans; Intimate Partner Violence; Male; Masculinity; South Africa; Violence
PubMed: 35399064
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13137-5 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Nov 2020This case study measured the effects of manual laryngeal therapy on the fundamental frequency (f), formant frequencies, estimated vocal tract length, and listener...
This case study measured the effects of manual laryngeal therapy on the fundamental frequency (f), formant frequencies, estimated vocal tract length, and listener perception of masculinity of a 32-year-old transmasculine individual. The participant began testosterone therapy 1.5 years prior to the study. Two therapy approaches were administered sequentially in a single session: (1) passive circumlaryngeal massage and manual laryngeal reposturing, and (2) active laryngeal reposturing with voicing. Acoustic recordings were collected before and after each treatment and 3 days after the session. Speaking f decreased from 124 Hz to 120 Hz after passive training, and to 108 Hz after active training. Estimated vocal tract length increased from 17.0 cm to 17.3 cm after passive training, and to 19.4 cm after active training. Eight listeners evaluated the masculinity of the participant's speech; his voice was rated as most masculine at the end of the training session. All measures returned to baseline at follow-up. Overall, both acoustic and perceptual changes were observed in one transmasculine individual who participated in manual laryngeal therapy, even after significant testosterone-induced voice changes had already occurred; however, changes were not maintained in the follow-up. This study adds to scant literature on effective approaches to and proposed outcome measures for voice masculinization in transmasculine individuals.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Masculinity; Speech; Speech Acoustics; Voice; Voice Training
PubMed: 31153772
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2019.05.003 -
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Jul 2022The causes and effects of what is often referred to as "honor"-based violence/abuse (HBV/A) and forced marriages on men and boys is an under-researched field of...
The causes and effects of what is often referred to as "honor"-based violence/abuse (HBV/A) and forced marriages on men and boys is an under-researched field of patriarchal violence. This lack of research has resulted in an imperfect understanding of how and why men become victims of HBV/A and an absence of an effective theoretical framework in which to analyze their experiences. Through an examination of 29 Case Files obtained through a gender-neutral domestic abuse refuge charity in the East Midlands, the United Kingdom, this original research will explore the ways that men, particularly younger males and those who do not conform to cultural norms of masculinity, are harmed by patriarchal structures. In doing so, this article brings to light new data and adds to the patriarchal framework for understanding HBV/A and why it is committed against men. The results of this study reveal that the ways in which HBV/A and forced marriages were presented in the Case Files present both analogies to and distinctions with the infliction of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in similar circumstances. This discovery is important for several reasons: (a) it demonstrates that men and boys are harmed by patriarchy and that patriarchal theories of violence must therefore evolve to better recognize groups of male victims; (b) it provides a typological framework to identify the different types of male victims, the types of abuse and the perpetrators involved, including the involvement of mothers as primary and secondary perpetrators; and (c) that male victims require appropriate intervention and must be taken seriously by state agencies if men are to come forward and disclose abuse.
Topics: Family Characteristics; Female; Humans; Male; Marriage; Masculinity; Men; Violence
PubMed: 33631999
DOI: 10.1177/0886260521997928 -
The Journal of Social Psychology May 2020The precarious manhood paradigm posits that many men view their gender as a social status that must be earned and maintained, and can be lost. The present study applied...
The precarious manhood paradigm posits that many men view their gender as a social status that must be earned and maintained, and can be lost. The present study applied the precarious manhood paradigm to a hypermasculine advertisement. A sample of 208 men was collected online. Using a false feedback paradigm, men's masculinity was either threatened, or not threatened. The men then viewed one of two commercials. One commercial was a neutral, control advertisement, and one was a hypermasculine advertisement. We also measured participants' endorsement of masculine norms. Results of a moderated moderation analysis indicated that men in the threat condition were more likely to view the hypermasculine advertisement as being masculinity-enhancing, they also endorsed the masculine norms of Winning, Heterosexual Self-Presentation, and Power over Women. Results for future research applying precarious manhood to advertising, and implications for clinical work with men, are discussed.
Topics: Adult; Advertising; Humans; Male; Masculinity; Men; Sexism; Social Identification
PubMed: 31315545
DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2019.1644281 -
Fertility and Sterility Jun 2011To report a case of hyperreactio luteinalis diagnosed in pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of hyperreactio luteinalis diagnosed in pregnancy.
DESIGN
Case report.
SETTING
Teaching hospital.
PATIENT(S)
A 30-year-old primigravida presenting with painful multicystic ovarian enlargement and subsequent virilizing features.
INTERVENTION(S)
Conservative management.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Successful pregnancy resulting in the live birth of a female infant with no gross abnormalities.
RESULT(S)
On investigation, she developed elevated serum androgen levels and had sonographically the characteristic "spoke wheel" appearance of hyperreactio luteinalis. The patient was managed symptomatically with normal outcomes and a return postnatally to before pregnancy features.
CONCLUSION(S)
An uncommon clinical presentation in obstetrics in which conservative management can result in good outcomes.
Topics: Androgens; Biomarkers; Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; Female; Humans; Live Birth; Ovarian Cysts; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Up-Regulation; Virilism
PubMed: 21497342
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.03.060 -
Journal of Women's Health (2002) Jul 2021Androgen-producing tumors in women are rare neoplasms that can cause secondary virilizing characteristics. Of patients presenting with symptoms of hyperandrogenism,... (Review)
Review
Androgen-producing tumors in women are rare neoplasms that can cause secondary virilizing characteristics. Of patients presenting with symptoms of hyperandrogenism, these tumors are found in ∼0.2% of cases. Androgen-producing tumors can arise from the ovary or the adrenal gland. Those arising from the ovary are rare, accounting for <5% of all ovarian tumors. This case presents a hilar Leydig cell tumor of the ovary, which resulted in secondary virilization of a 45-year-old female 2 months after cessation of combined oral contraceptives (COC). Laboratory findings showed markedly elevated total and free testosterone concentrations with normal dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, however neither pelvic ultrasound nor magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated any masses. Venous sampling under fluoroscopy revealed supraphysiologic testosterone concentrations from the right ovarian vein suggesting the source. The patient underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy revealing a 1.3 cm hilar cell tumor of the right ovary. This article reviews the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of hilar Leydig cell tumors and describes the long-term complications of supraphysiologic testosterone levels. As the tumor presented after cessation of COC, we also review the mechanisms by which COC might suppress supraphysiologic androgen levels and mask the secondary virilizing effects of androgen-producing tumors.
Topics: Female; Humans; Hyperandrogenism; Leydig Cell Tumor; Male; Middle Aged; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ovary; Testosterone; Ultrasonography; Virilism
PubMed: 32991246
DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8548 -
American Journal of Men's Health 2024Gender-responsive healthcare is critical to advancing men's health given that masculinities intersect with other social determinants to impact help-seeking, engagement... (Review)
Review
Gender-responsive healthcare is critical to advancing men's health given that masculinities intersect with other social determinants to impact help-seeking, engagement with primary healthcare, and patient outcomes. A scoping review was undertaken with the aim to synthesize gender-responsive approaches used by healthcare providers (HCPs) to engage men with primary healthcare. MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched for articles published between 2000 and February 2024. Titles and abstracts for 15,659 citations were reviewed, and 97 articles met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and analyzed thematically. Thirty-three approaches were synthesized from across counseling/psychology, general practice, social work, nursing, psychiatry, pharmacy, and unspecified primary healthcare settings. These were organized into three interrelated themes: (a) tailoring communication to reach men; (b) purposefully structuring treatment to meet men's health needs, and (c) centering the therapeutic alliance to retain men in care. Strength-based and asset-building approaches focused on reading and responding to a diversity of masculinities was reinforced across the three findings. While these approaches are recommended for the judicious integration into health practitioner education and practice, this review highlighted that the evidence remains underdeveloped, particularly for men who experience health inequities. Critical priorities for further research include intersectional considerations and operationalizing gender-responsive healthcare approaches for men and its outcomes, particularly at first point-of-contact encounters.
Topics: Male; Humans; Masculinity; Men's Health; Communication; Health Personnel; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 38606788
DOI: 10.1177/15579883241241090 -
PloS One 2019Boys and young men have unique health-related needs that may be poorly met by existing programs and initiatives. The mismatch between the needs of boys and young men and...
Boys and young men have unique health-related needs that may be poorly met by existing programs and initiatives. The mismatch between the needs of boys and young men and current service offerings-driven largely by social determinants of health such as masculinity-may stymie health status. This is evidenced through high rates of self-stigma, accidental death or suicide, and low rates of help seeking and health literacy among populations of boys and young men. With growing interest in improving wellbeing and educational outcomes for all young people (including boys and young men), this systematic review aimed to evaluate community and school-based programs with specific focus on program features and outcomes directly relevant to young males aged 12-25 years. Five data-bases were searched; Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, ERIC, and ERAD. Articles were included if they evaluated an intervention or program with a general or at-risk sample of young men, and measured a psychological, psychosocial, masculinity, or educational outcome. The majority of the 40 included studies had high quality reporting (62.5%). Synthesised data included theoretical frameworks, intervention characteristics, outcomes, and key results. Of the included studies, 14 were male-focussed programs, with masculinity approaches directed towards program aims and content information. The emergent trend indicated that male-targeted interventions may be more beneficial for young men than gender-neutral programs, however, none of these studies incorporated masculine-specific theory as an overarching framework. Furthermore, only three studies measured masculine-specific variables. Studies were limited by a lack of replication and program refinement approaches. It is concluded that there is significant scope for further development of community and school-based health promotion programs that target young men through incorporation of frameworks that consider the impact of gendered social and environmental determinants of health. Evaluation of these programs will provide researchers and practitioners with the capacity for translating beneficial outcomes into best-practice policy.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Health Status; Humans; Male; Masculinity; Men; School Health Services; Schools; Suicide; Young Adult
PubMed: 31107908
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216955 -
Hormone Research in Paediatrics 201017-β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17βHSD-3) deficiency is a rare, but frequently misdiagnosed autosomal recessive cause of 46,XY disorder of sex development... (Review)
Review
17-β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17βHSD-3) deficiency is a rare, but frequently misdiagnosed autosomal recessive cause of 46,XY disorder of sex development (DSD). 17βHSD-3 enzyme is present almost exclusively in the testes and converts Δ4-androstenedione (Δ4) to testosterone (T). The diagnosis can be easily missed in early childhood as the clinical presentation may be subtle. Any young girl with an inguinal hernia, mild clitoromegaly, single urethral opening or urogenital sinus should raise suspicion. If not diagnosed early, patients present with severe virilization and primary amenorrhea in adolescence and may undergo a change from a female to male gender role. A low T/Δ4 ratio on baseline or hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)-stimulated testing is suggestive of 17βHSD-3 deficiency. The diagnosis can be confirmed with molecular genetic studies. This review summarizes the clinical presentations, reported mutations, diagnosis, treatment and clinical course of this disorder. The Arg80 site in exon 3 is the most common location of repeated mutations and can be considered a hot spot in certain Arab populations.
Topics: 17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY; Female; Founder Effect; Genes, Recessive; Humans; Male; Sex Reassignment Procedures; Virilism
PubMed: 20689261
DOI: 10.1159/000318004