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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 64121

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ramon Flecha

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Guest Editor

School of Sociology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Interests: social impact of health research; gender based violence; healthy relationships and contexts; ethnic minorities and health; socioneuroscience
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Adriana Aubert

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Guest Editor

Department of Sociology, University of Barcelona, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: feminism; violence against women; education; cultural groups; business

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Research has shown that in the same way that healthy relationships improve mental and physical health, toxic relationships deteriorate health. The connection between the brain and the rest of the body is a central mechanism that explains such a process. Current studies on the gut–brain axis, and others on the connections between emotions and the immune system, sustain a better understanding of what research has also shown, which is, among others, that abusive relationships often produce gastrointestinal illness, and that violent interactions produce negative emotions that debilitate the immune system, making the person more prone to infection and to a number of inflammatory diseases. Evidence has also shed light on the fact that, in the context of healthy close relationships, health improves, for example, via dialogic reconstruction of memories of past toxic relationships.

Recent research has also shown that healthy or toxic intimate relationships are related to the kind of masculinities of the male partners. The traditional dominant masculinity generates toxic relationships, creating psychological and physical health problems. New alternative masculinities generate healthy relationships that improve mental and physical health. This Special Issue will explore the influences on health of the different masculinities. Since the problem is multidimensional, this Special Issue seeks manuscripts reporting evidence of success in overcoming toxic relationships and their associated health problems, from all sciences, including interdisciplinary contributions, among others.

We welcome manuscripts that report a wide diversity of research methods; qualitative studies may include case studies, including a single case or biographical methods, among others. Studies that report quantitative methods and surveys as well as contributions using a mixed-methods approach are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Ramon Flecha
Prof. Dr. Adriana Aubert
Guest Editors

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Keywords

toxic relationships
healthy relationships
kind of masculinities
dialogic memory
violent relationships
disdainful relationships

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

9 pages, 628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex Differences in Physical Attractiveness Investments: Overlooked Side of Masculinity

by Marta Kowal and Piotr Sorokowski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073842 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4277

Abstract

Background: Public opinion on who performs more beauty-enhancing behaviors (men or women) seems unanimous. Women are often depicted as primarily interested in how they look, opposed to men, who are presumably less focused on their appearance. However, previous studies might have overlooked how masculinity relates to self-modification among men. Methods: We explored this issue in depth by conducting a qualitative Study 1 aimed to establish how men and women enhance their attractiveness (N = 121) and a quantitative Study 2 aimed to test time spent on activities that increase one’s attractiveness in a longitudinal design (with seven repeated measures from 62 participants; N_(total) = 367). Results: We observed no sex differences in beauty investments. Although women spent more time on make-up and cosmetics usage, men caught up with women in exercising and bodybuilding. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that there may not be such wide sex differences in the intensity of enhancing one’s appearance as has been previously thought. We hypothesize that this might partly stem from changes in gender roles regarding masculinity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masculinities' Influence on Health)

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12 pages, 1272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Young People’s Voices and Science for Overcoming Toxic Relationships Represented in Sex Education

by Beatriz Villarejo-Carballido, Cristina M. Pulido, Harkaitz Zubiri-Esnaola and Esther Oliver

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3316; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063316 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 8661

Abstract

The scientific literature has presented evidence of how fiction series impact the socialisation of young people’s relationships. However, there is a gap in the evidence on how dialogic interactions overcome the negative impact of the fiction series on the socialisation of toxic relationships. This research analyses dialogic interactions based on scientific evidence related to toxic relationships that contribute to overcoming this type of relationship. First, we developed a communicative content analysis of eight episodes of one of the most-watched fiction series by young people, Sex Education. After that, we conducted four communicative interviews with the young audience to collect their voices about the impact of these toxic relationships represented in this fiction series in their daily conversations. The results indicate that in such cases, there is a need to promote dialogic interactions about this fiction series, focusing the dialogue on which type of masculinity develops a toxic relationship and which, on the contrary, promotes healthy relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masculinities' Influence on Health)

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11 pages, 331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reducing Health Effects on Deceit in Heterosexual Sexual-Affective Relationships: The Impact of the Preventive Socialization Program (PSP)

by Lidia Puigvert-Mallart, Roger Campdepadrós Cullell, Josep Maria Canal and Carme García-Yeste

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2274; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042274 - 17 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2076

Abstract

Background: Health research has provided robust evidence of the negative effects caused by facing deceit in sexual-affective relationships. In this regard, several analyses have been conducted addressing psychological, family therapies, and educational interventions to improve marital problems. On the other hand, many investigations have addressed how the preventive socialization program (PSP), framed on the analysis of a dominant coercive discourse that is connected with the promotion of specific traditional masculine models, impacts on young people’s relationships free of violence. However, the link between deceit, health, and the PSP has not yet been analyzed. To cover this gap, a qualitative study has been performed with a methodology framed on the communicative approach. We enrolled heterosexual women and men aged 25 to 42 years old who have been in contact with the PSP and have experienced or know of any cases of deceit. Two different analytical categories emerged from the analysis, which distinguishes between exclusionary and transformative dimensions. Findings show that the majority of people involved in PSP were able to understand the reasons for deceit as well as to take decisions in their further sexual-affective relationships. Therefore, this study corroborates that access to scientific evidence in the framework of PSP is positively impacting interviewees’ health status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masculinities' Influence on Health)

15 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Men Tackling Isolating Gender Violence to Fight against Sexual Harassment

by Elias Nazareno, Ana Vidu, Guiomar Merodio and Rosa Valls

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 1924; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19041924 - 9 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2918

Abstract

Scientific literature has shown that both suffering gender-based violence and taking a stand against it could provoke severe retaliation from bystanders, including negative consequences on health. Together with some women, several men—defined as New Alternative Masculinities—have also contributed to fighting against sexual violence in several contexts, also suffering dramatic consequences, known as Isolating Gender Violence (IGV). This article fills the gap on inquiring how men suffering IGV due to intervening in supporting survivors has affected the men’s health. Six in-depth interviews were conducted with men from different contexts and countries and men of different social profiles. The findings reveal how men’s health is better protected when they build networks of support while overcoming the fear of retaliation in achieving to empower direct survivors. In addition, the results recognize men as crucial actors in the struggle against GBV and overcoming IGV, as women potentially do. This may inspire other men to intervene and break the silence regarding GBV in societies and institutions, as it shows that men and women together are needed to fight against GBV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masculinities' Influence on Health)

18 pages, 1840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Business Leadership from a Gender Perspective and Its Impact on the Work Environment and Employee’s Well-Being in Companies in the Basque Country

by Antonia Moreno, Fernando Díez and Luana Ferreira

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010030 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4228

Abstract

If the workplace environment is good, the health and well-being of employees will be good too. This research aims to distinguish whether there are differences when it comes to being directed by a man or a woman and whether this affects employees. An ad hoc questionnaire was applied, collecting personal information and including the MLQ-6 S. It was sent by mail and answered by 549 employees of 16 companies in the Basque Country, Spain. A total of 277 (50.5%) men and 272 (49.5%) women participated, among whom there were 63 managers. The methodology shows a double perspective of how employees understand and perceive the differences between male and female business leaders and how managers see themselves exercising this leadership. No significant differences have been perceived. Both men and women believe they make their employees feel good about exercising leadership (M = 42.11%, W = 48.00%) quite often. Employed women consider it more challenging to become leaders and reconcile their work-life. Men do not think so. Communication is the tool that women managers know best how to handle and where men seem to fail more. Working on it could achieve more business success and better health in employees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masculinities' Influence on Health)

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15 pages, 798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Create Solidarity Networks: Dialogs in Reddit to Overcome Depression and Suicidal Ideation among Males

by Gisela Redondo-Sama, Teresa Morlà-Folch, Ana Burgués, Jelen Amador and Sveva Magaraggia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11927; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211927 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 8250

Abstract

The emerging scientific literature examines masculinity and gender roles as risk factors for suicide ideation or suicide in young adults and adolescents. In this vein, recent studies show that certain traditional masculine norms are related to poorer mental health-related outcomes, which influences suicide and suicide ideation. This study contributes with new understandings about the associations between masculinity and suicidal ideation among males through Reddit debates in English. The posts with more interactions referring to masculinity in the topics gender and education have been selected on Reddit, emphasizing transformative personal experiences potentially helping avoid suicide ideation. Through the analysis of Reddit posts, it is shown how users can generate spaces to express the diverse ways to live with masculinity. The discussions on Reddit in the different areas selected demonstrate the existence of proposals on how to overcome fears and facilitate relaxation of norms regarding self-reliance to encourage help-seeking when feeling depressed and therefore at greater risk of suicide ideation. The results highlight the potential importance of platforms such as Reddit to create solidarity networks, showing multiple ways of being a man and demystifying dominant masculinity by sharing different experiences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masculinities' Influence on Health)

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12 pages, 706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Traditional Masculinity and Aggression in Adolescence: Its Relationship with Emotional Processes

by Elisabeth Malonda-Vidal, Paula Samper-García, Anna Llorca-Mestre, Roger Muñoz-Navarro and Vicenta Mestre-Escrivá

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9802; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189802 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8091

Abstract

Traditional masculinity includes norms that encourage many of the aggressive behaviors whereas traditional femininity emphasizes aggression very little. In addition, the lack of emotional regulation as well as a poor impulse control have been related to aggression and, in particular, with reactive and proactive aggression. The objective of this study is to examine the role of gender stereotypes (masculinity/femininity) in reactive and proactive aggression, through regulatory emotional self-efficacy and emotion regulation. A total of 390 adolescents participated in a longitudinal study in Valencia, Spain. Structural equations modeling (SEM) was employed to explore a two-wave longitudinal model. The results show that femininity relates to reactive aggression through regulatory emotional self-efficacy and emotion regulation. This way, both emotional self-efficacy and emotional regulation mediate the relation between femininity and reactive aggression. Furthermore, reactive and proactive aggression relate positively and directly to masculinity and negatively to femininity. Therefore, violence prevention programs with adolescents should incorporate information to break down gender stereotypes and promote strategies to manage emotions. Such efforts may be helpful to reduce aggressive behaviors and violence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masculinities' Influence on Health)

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15 pages, 682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evidence of Gender Violence Negative Impact on Health as a Lever to Change Adolescents’ Attitudes and Preferences towards Dominant Traditional Masculinities

by Maria Padrós Cuxart, Silvia Molina Roldán, Elena Gismero and Itxaso Tellado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9610; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189610 - 12 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4462

Abstract

Women and girls experience gender violence from a young age. Scientific research has presented evidence of the negative impact of toxic relationships and toxic stress on physical and psychological health. However, less is known on how this evidence can have a preventive effect. Knowing these impacts can be important for women and girls to decide the type of affective-sexual relationships they want to have, and even transform their attraction towards different types of masculinity. This study presents results from the MEMO4LOVE project. Researchers use mixed-methods approaches, including a questionnaire (n = 141) to study adolescents’ peer groups’ interactions that promoted healthy or toxic affective-sexual relationships, and five communicative focus groups with boys and girls to analyze how these interactions can be transformed by sharing scientific knowledge on the effects of violent relationships with adolescents. The results showed the impact of sharing with adolescents the evidence of the adverse effects of toxic relationships with violent masculinities on health. The peer group’s transformation occurred: non-violent boys gained self-confidence, and girls redirected or reinforced their attraction to non-violent boys. These results suggest the potential positive effects of knowing the impacts of toxic relationships on girls’ health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masculinities' Influence on Health)

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11 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Consequences of Disdainful Hook-Ups for Later Egalitarian Relationships of Girls

by Ane López de Aguileta, Patricia Melgar, Elisabeth Torras-Gómez and Nerea Gutiérrez-Fernández

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9521; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189521 - 9 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3185

Abstract

Introduction: There is extensive research about the consequences that toxic relationships with dominant masculinities have on different areas of women’s lives, including how they can influence future relationships they establish. Some of these women reproduce toxic relationships with dominant masculinities in their following relationships, and some women start to establish sexual-affective relationships with non-dominant masculinity models. However, less is known about the specific consequences in non-dominant masculinities who establish relationships with women who have not overcome the false memory of excitement regarding their toxic relationships. Methodology: In order to shed light on the consequences for non-dominant masculinities, eight communicative interviews were conducted with four women and four men. Results: The main findings indicate that those female participants who have kept an exciting memory of toxic relationships, when in an equal relationship, have attitudes of disdain towards non-dominant masculinities. They may ridicule them, not value their personal or intellectual abilities, talk down to them, and even negatively value their sexual aptitudes. Discussion: The application of the previous literature to our results leads to establishing the work on memories of relationships that have led to socialization in violent relationships as a preventive approach. Conclusion: The previously mentioned attitudes could generate health problems for non-dominant masculinities engaged in these relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masculinities' Influence on Health)

14 pages, 341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health and Well-Being Consequences for Gender Violence Survivors from Isolating Gender Violence

by Adriana Aubert and Ramon Flecha

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8626; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168626 - 15 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5944

Abstract

Recent scientific literature has published about the Isolating Gender Violence (IGV), the violence exerted by harassers against those who support their victims. IGV provokes suffering to advocates with health and well-being consequences that have been analyzed by more recent research; but IGV provokes also suffering on the victims of gender violence when they see the suffering of those who have supported them and also for their isolation. Thus, the aim of the present study is to explore the health and well-being consequences of IGV on gender violence survivors. The methodology includes three narratives of gender violence survivors whose advocates supporting them were victimized by IGV. The results show, on the one hand, an increase of the health and well-being effects of gender violence already analyzed by scientific literature; on the other hand, new health and well-being effects appear. All survivors interviewed say that, besides those new consequences for their health, the support of those advocates has decreased the global health effects of the total gender violence they suffered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masculinities' Influence on Health)

16 pages, 1003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Masculinity and the Moderating Role of Religion on the Workplace Well-Being of Factory Workers in China

by Quan Gao, Orlando Woods and Xiaomei Cai

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6250; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126250 - 9 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3867

Abstract

This paper explores how the intersection of masculinity and religion shapes workplace well-being by focusing on Christianity and the social construction of masculinity among factory workers in a city in China. While existing work on public and occupational health has respectively acknowledged masculinity’s influences on health and the religious and spiritual dimensions of well-being, there have been limited efforts to examine how variegated, and especially religious, masculinities influence people’s well-being in the workplace. Drawing on ethnography and in-depth interviews with 52 factory workers and 8 church leaders and factory managers, we found that: (1) Variegated masculinities were integrated into the factory labor regime to produce docile and productive bodies of workers. In particular, the militarized and masculine cultures in China’s factories largely deprived workers of their dignity and undermined their well-being. These toxic masculinities were associated with workers’ depression and suicidal behavior. (2) Christianity not only provided social and spiritual support for vulnerable factory workers, but also enabled them to construct a morally superior Christian manhood that phytologically empowered them and enhanced their resilience to exploitation. This paper highlights not only the gender mechanism of well-being, but also the ways religion mediates the social-psychological construction of masculinity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Masculinities' Influence on Health)

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13 pages, 366 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Alternative Friendships to Improve Men’s Health Status. The Impact of the New Alternative Masculinities’ Approach

by Oriol Ríos-González, Mimar Ramis-Salas, Juan Carlos Peña-Axt and Sandra Racionero-Plaza

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 2188; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042188 - 23 Feb 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5892

Abstract

Background: Men who develop behaviors connected with the model of hegemonic masculinity present several health problems. Previous research has shown the types of problems that men commonly suffer in this regard such as chronic diseases, dietary disorders, and traffic accidents. To combat and overcome this situation, several campaigns, policies and recommendations have been undertaken, and consequently, their influence has been analyzed. However, there have been few investigations into the role of men’s friendship in the reduction of these physical health problems. The findings presented in this article are focused on this issue, illustrating the impact of male friendship on the shaping of healthy behaviors. Methods: Drawing upon a qualitative-based methodology articulated in a case study of the Men in Dialogue association, located in Spain, the study has followed the premises of the communicative approach, a total of 15 structured online open-ended questionnaires have been performed and analyzed. The median age of the participants is 37.5 years. Results: The findings show how men involved in Men in Dialogue are promoting a kind of masculine friendship that is improving men’s emotional well-being and, consequently, their physical health. Full article

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