Researchers within and beyond the psychology of men and masculinities (PMM) have underscored the importance of identifying pathways underlying men's mental health in the context of dyadic relationships. Accordingly, there is an emerging need for advancement and accessible application of corresponding longitudinal quantitative methods. Although both Dyadic Growth Curve Modeling and Growth Curve Mediation Modeling have each been used increasingly throughout related fields such as developmental and family sciences, they have not yet been widely applied by researchers in PMM. Moreover, there is a lack of applied examples involving the integration of these two methods. Our goal is therefore to provide an accessible tutorial on longitudinal mediation analysis with dyadic data using latent growth curve modeling. Specifically, we present an illustration of the use of Dyadic Linear Growth Curve Mediation Modeling as an extension of the Dyadic Linear Growth Curve Model, using a real dataset and guided code in R and Mplus to test the mediated effects of destructive marital conflict on depression in father-mother dyads. Results of our example Dyadic Linear Growth Curve Mediation Model revealed that higher levels of destructive conflict predicted higher paternal depression at year 1, and predicted lower levels of fathers' and mothers' marital quality at year 1 and year 2. A significant mediation pathway was also identified, such that higher levels of destructive conflict predicted lower levels of fathers' marital quality at year 2, which in turn predicted higher depression in fathers at year 3.

Gender-specific norms are learned, which can influence social norms, attitudes, and behaviors in specific situations. For example, men who conform to certain masculine norms/ideals may express their masculinity by drinking alcohol. Recent research indicates that endorsement of alcohol-specific masculine norms is mixed when predicting men's risk for heavy consumption and adverse alcohol-related outcomes. Using a large, college sample of self-identified men (=1350; =20.10/=1.80; 12 universities), we examined the psychometric properties of the Masculine Drinking Norms Measure-MNDM, and the extent to which the masculine drinking norms of (e.g., "real men can drink heavily") and (e.g., "men should maintain control when they drink") are associated with alcohol use and negative drinking consequences over and above demographic correlates of alcohol use (age, fraternity membership, athletic involvement) and general, non-alcohol focused masculine norms (Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-29). Consistent with hypotheses and prior research, we found evidence for a two-factor solution ( and ) for the MDNM with excellent model fit. Multivariate analyses indicated that was positively associated with alcohol use and negative drinking consequences (adjusting for alcohol use) while was not significantly related to either outcome. was also the strongest correlate of alcohol use (with the exception of fraternity membership) and negative drinking consequences (with the exception of alcohol use and risk-taking). Overall, our findings provide further evidence for the utility of the masculine drinking norm of excess in predicting alcohol use and negative drinking consequences over and above demographic factors and general masculine norms among college men.

Although the concept of gender role conflict has advanced contemporary research on the psychology of men and masculinities, there has been little exploration of gender role conflict within clinical samples of men. Consequently, variable- and person-oriented approaches to the analysis of data collected from a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 224 fathers living in southern New England were used to document differences in gender role conflict when fathers with an opioid use disorder were compared with fathers living in the same community without an alcohol or drug use disorder. Analyses of covariance indicated that, after allowance for demographic characteristics, the clinical group reported significantly more concern about Restrictive Emotionality and Restrictive Affectionate Behavior Between Men. Cluster analysis indicated that there were five potentially meaningful profiles of gender role conflict among the fathers. Multinomial logistic analysis examining assignment to clusters representing more versus less concern showed that, after allowance for demographic characteristics, the odds were much greater that the fathers in the clinical group were assigned to clusters reflecting more concern about gender role conflict. The results highlight ways internalization of masculinities emphasizing constriction of emotional expression and interpersonal relations may represent risk for opioid addiction, and they illustrate how documentation of differences in masculine constructs may inform gender-sensitive parent intervention pursued with fathers in clinical and community contexts.

Unmarried, Black fathers' positive engagement contributes to children's health and development beginning in early infancy. For many men, preparations for parenthood begin before birth as expectant fathers formulate parenting attitudes that can promote secure infant-father attachment relationships. This study examined aspects of life stress as predictors of prenatal attitudes toward attachment -- the extent to which expectant fathers endorsed promoting attachment security in their infants. Further, we considered whether shift-and-persist cognitive strategies -- a psychological resilience factor focused on shifting to positive focus and future-orientation -- moderated these associations. A sample of 121 unmarried, Black men expecting the birth of a child were recruited during the 2 or 3 trimester of their partner's pregnancy. Expectant fathers reported on childhood trauma, recent negative life experiences, and depressive symptomology. Fathers also completed a survey assessment of shift-and-persist strategies, as well as a newly developed scale assessing attitudes toward attachment. Depressive symptoms and negative life events were directly, positively related to attitudes toward attachment. The association between positive attitudes toward attachment and both negative life events and depressive symptomology was moderated by fathers' ability to shift-and-persist. Specifically, aspects of life stress were generally unrelated to attitudes toward attachment when shift-and-persist was low, but related to more positive attitudes toward attachment when shift-and-persist was high. Preliminary findings point to the potential steeling effects of shift-and-persist strategies for expectant fathers facing moderate levels of life stress.

Black men and people belonging to sexual minority groups are disproportionately impacted by criminal legal involvement and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Traumatic experiences are often associated with later criminal legal involvement, depression symptoms, sexual risk behavior, and STIs. Research on the joint influence of trauma and incarceration on STI risk among racial and/or sexual minority people is limited. This study tested the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and incarceration on sexual risk behavior and STI among Black sexual minority men, a population that may be at higher risk for contracting STIs. Using data from the HIV Prevention Trials Network 061 Study, a longitudinal study of adult Black sexual minority men in six U.S. cities ( = 855), we tested associations between past six-month incarceration and subsequent sexual risk behavior, STI, and depression symptoms, for those with and without pre-incarceration PTSD symptoms. PTSD symptoms were elevated among participants who reported Hispanic ethnicity, having sex with both men and women, and previous incarceration. Although there were not significant differences between recent incarceration and sexual risk for those with and without PTSD, incarceration was linked to some sexual risk behaviors regardless of PTSD symptoms. Among people with PTSD symptoms, there was a higher prevalence of sexual risk and depression symptoms, regardless of incarceration. These findings suggest a potentially compounding influence of PTSD symptoms and incarceration on sexual risk and infection among Black sexual minority men.

Internalization of culturally dominant masculine gender role norms can have harmful impacts on the physical and emotional health of men and boys. Although parents play an important role in influencing gender-related beliefs in their children, limited research has examined how contemporary parents conceptualize masculinity and their role in gender socialization. The current study conducted 13 focus groups with Black, Latino, and White parents ( = 83) of school-age boys from rural and urban areas in a large southeastern state in the US. Parent beliefs about masculinity existed across a spectrum from "rigid" (representing narrow, culturally dominant masculine norms) to "flexible" (defining a broader set of behaviors and attitudes as masculine). In general, more flexible beliefs were expressed by mothers than fathers, and by White than Black and Latino parents. Most parents reacted positively to messages about potential harms associated with restrictive masculinity norms; however, many saw these issues primarily as parenting challenges (e.g., teaching boys to resist negative peer influences) rather than related to gender socialization. Some unique themes also emerged within racial/ethnic groups, with Black parents noting the impact of racial discrimination on societal expectations for Black men and fathers, and Latino parents describing generational shifts towards more equitable gender role attitudes and parenting practices. These findings highlight the need for more complex and nuanced messages about masculinity norms and their relationship to health and well-being and can help inform the development of interventions to promote healthy masculine gender socialization, increase health equity, and prevent injury and violence.

Participation in sports can increase young adults' risk for heavy alcohol use and related consequences. Among student-athletes, more men report heavy drinking than women. These gender differences may reflect men's expression of masculinity which can encompass excessive consumption. While a growing body of research indicates that general masculine norms are positively associated with alcohol use and consequences among men, the extent to which alcohol-specific masculine norms can increase student-athletes' risk for elevated drinking and related outcomes is not yet known. Thus, we examined how masculine drinking norms are associated with alcohol use and related consequences while accounting for demographics and multiple dimensions of general masculine norms.

Receptivity to recommended colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can be enhanced by use of loss-framed health messaging that emphasizes possible consequences of failing to act. However, a simultaneous use of culturally targeted messaging may be needed to achieve effectiveness when loss-framed messaging is used with African Americans, especially to reduce racism-related cognitions aroused by standard loss framing that impede CRC screening receptivity. This study considered whether effects of stand-alone and culturally targeted message framing on CRC screening receptivity differ between African American men and women. African Americans eligible for CRC screening (Men=117, Women=340) viewed an informational video about CRC risks, prevention, and screening, and were randomized to receive a gain or loss-framed message about screening. Half of participants received an additional culturally targeted message. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, we measured receptivity to CRC screening. We also measured arousal of racism-related cognitions. A significant three-way interaction suggested effects of messaging on CRC screening receptivity were moderated by gender. Participants were no more receptive to CRC screening when standard loss-framing was used, but were more favorable if loss-framing was culturally targeted. However, these effects were more pronounced among African American men. Contrary to prior findings, gender moderated effects of culturally targeted loss-framed messaging were not attributable to reducing racism-related cognitions. Findings add to growing recognition of important nuance in effective use of message framing to also include gender, while suggesting a critical need to explore gender-relevant mechanistic pathways, potentially including how health messaging activates masculinity-related cognitions among African American men.

Extant literature is mixed on the role of religiosity as a protective factor for mental health concerns and the effectiveness of faith-based prison programs on a reduction in recidivism. Religiosity and psychiatric symptoms are associated with gender role conflict, yet little is known about these relationships among Black incarcerated men. Undergirded by gender role conflict theory, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between religiosity, 30-day psychiatric symptoms, and three measures of gender role conflict: emotional restrictiveness, work-family conflict, and affectionate behavior towards men. In a sample of 206 Black men nearing community re-entry, our results indicated strong religious beliefs and psychiatric symptoms were associated with less emotional restrictiveness. Religious influence and psychiatric symptoms were positively associated with perceived work-family conflict. Further, strong religious beliefs moderated the association between psychiatric symptoms and work-family conflict. Implications for faith-based prison support programs as mechanisms for reducing recidivism among Black men are discussed.

Reducing Veteran rates of suicide has long remained a top priority for the Veterans Health Administration, and as such, identifying correlates of suicidal behaviors is important to develop targeted interventions. Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) has been identified as a robust predictor of suicide attempts; however, less is known about correlates of NSSI that may aid in upstream prevention efforts. Prior research suggests adherence to various traditional masculine gender role norms may be positively associated with NSSI. Thus, as the U.S. military is widely recognized for promoting and rewarding such norms, this study sought to build off previous research by examining the association between adherence to various masculine gender role norms and engagement in NSSI behaviors among a mixed-sex sample of U.S. Veterans ( = 124). Results showed the norm of emotional control was most strongly associated with lifetime engagement in NSSI behaviors (including the behavior of wall-object punching), whereas the norm of violence was associated with NSSI disorder. Interestingly, exploratory analyses indicated that these associations were primarily driven by women Veterans and sexual orientation status. Overall, the results highlight the importance of assessing for adherence to masculine gender role norms among all Veterans and speak to additional avenues for future research.

Coercive Condom Use Resistance (CUR) is a significant problem, associated with increases in STIs, unplanned pregnancy, feelings of betrayal, and a loss of sexual autonomy. Furthermore, young men are much more likely to perpetrate coercive CUR than young women. Thus, the present study sought to examine the past experiences, trait characteristics, and state emotions which may precede coercive CUR perpetration intentions, including alcohol intoxication, childhood emotional abuse, trait impulsivity, sexual sensation seeking, state impulsivity, and state anxiety, using an alcohol administration procedure. Young, single, non-problem drinking, and sexually active men who have sex with women from the United States ( = 297; 66% White, 9.4% Black, 10.7% Multi-racial, 5.1% Asian, 1.0% Native American, 1.0% Pacific Islander, and 10.4% Hispanic or Latino) were recruited for participation. They were randomly assigned to either receive alcohol or remain sober before projecting themselves into a hypothetical sexual scenario with a woman who asked to use a condom. Results showed that greater levels of childhood emotional abuse were associated with increased trait impulsivity and sexual sensation seeking, and that sexual sensation seeking was associated with increased state impulsivity and subsequent anxiety during the scenario. Finally, alcohol intoxication moderated the relationship between state anxiety and coercive CUR such that state anxiety was positively associated with coercive CUR among intoxicated men only. Findings suggest that interventions targeting coercive CUR behavior may be improved by focusing on men who have experienced childhood trauma, as well as their alcohol consumption and in-the-moment experiences of impulsivity and anxiety.

The present study extended prior work on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20). The TAS-20 total scale score is commonly used in research in the psychology of men and masculinities and in clinical practice, but most published confirmatory factor analyses (CFA's) do not support this use. Using a sample of 913 men and women, variance composition was assessed, and model-based dimensionality and reliability coefficients were calculated, finding evidence for unidimensionality, which supports the use of the total scale raw score but not that of the subscales, although the model fit was less than desired. Convergent and concurrent evidence was found for the validity of the TAS-20 in men as a unidimensional scale ( = 505) by examining relationships with latent variables of several constructs in the nomological network. An assessment of measurement invariance by gender (men, women) found evidence for metric invariance, indicating that cisgender men and women understand the scale in the same way. It is recommended that the TAS-20 scale developers follow recommended procedures to trim composite measurement scales to improve the psychometric properties (i.e., model fit) of the TAS.

Stigma often is cited as a barrier to the uptake and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV among Black sexual minority men (SMM). Socialized gender norms (i.e., restrictive emotionality) are associated with experiences and manifestations of stigma in men. However, the association between restrictive emotionality and the stigma surrounding PrEP use has received little attention in previous research. The present study examines the association between restrictive emotionality and holding stigmatizing beliefs about PrEP use with a theoretically informed serial mediation model testing internalized homophobia and LGBT community connectedness as mediators among a sample of 455 Black SMM in the Southeastern US. Results indicate that restrictive emotionality is associated with stigmatizing beliefs about PrEP use. Further, internalized homophobia and LGBT community connectedness were found to partially mediate the proposed relationship serially. Internalized homophobia, but not LGBT community connectedness, also independently mediated the association between restrictive emotionality and stigmatizing beliefs of PrEP use. This study provides important insights into how aspects of masculinity influence the manifestation of stigmatizing beliefs about PrEP use among Black SMM. The present findings have implications for reducing these beliefs, which are known to negatively impact uptake and use of the HIV prevention tool among Black SMM at elevated risk for HIV.

Black men are often socialized to limit their emotional expression, which can lead to negative relationships and emotional health outcomes. Yet, little is known about how childhood experiences influence their emotional restrictiveness in adulthood. This study examined the relationship between parental closeness, childhood abuse, and restricted emotionality among 183 Black incarcerated men nearing release. Findings conclude men who reported having a closer relationship with their parents had lower emotional restrictiveness than men who did not. Men who reported childhood sexual abuse by two people reported more restricted emotionality than their non-abused counterparts. Implications for programming, intervention and prevention strategies are discussed.

We investigated whether dual-earner fathers' adherence to traditional masculine norms, father nurturing role beliefs, and maternal gate closing behavior predicted the quality of new fathers' observed parenting and coparenting behavior. Data were drawn from a longitudinal study of the transition to parenthood among 182 dual-earner different-sex couples. Expectant fathers reported their masculine agency, hostile sexism, gendered provider beliefs, and father nurturing role beliefs in the third trimester of pregnancy. Maternal gate closing behavior was coded from observations of mother-father-infant interaction at 3 months postpartum. At 9 months postpartum the quality of fathers' parenting behavior was coded from observations of father-infant interaction, and the quality of fathers' coparenting behavior was coded from observations of mother-father-infant interaction. SEM analyses indicated that fathers who held stronger father nurturing role beliefs showed more positive parenting behavior and less undermining coparenting behavior. Fathers higher in masculine agency also showed more positive parenting behavior. Mothers' greater gate closing behavior was linked to less positive parenting and less supportive coparenting behavior by fathers. More positive couple behavior observed prenatally was also associated with better parenting and coparenting by fathers. These results highlight the complexity of relations of traditional masculinity, father role beliefs, and maternal gate closing with the quality of new fathers' behaviors with children and partners in dual-earner families.

Despite the growing number of Latino families in the United States (Passel et al., 2011), Latino fathers are an understudied segment of the population. We examined a subsample of Latino residential fathers (n = 859) from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Measures of fathers' generational status and fathering beliefs, including adherence to traditional gender roles and fathering identity salience, were collected at child's birth; father involvement was collected at infant age one year. We tested longitudinal mediations between fathers' generational status, fathering beliefs, and involvement using structural equation modeling. Fathers' generational status impacted the amount of time fathers spend with their children in tasks relating to direct caregiving, but not necessarily cognitive engagement. Findings highlight the importance of considering cultural context in early Latino father involvement.

Sexual violence, including rape, is a pervasive problem on college campuses in the United States. Although men perpetrate the majority of sexual violence, men's attitudes, experiences, and perspectives are not typically included in research on rape and sexual violence. We addressed this empirical gap through our mixed-methods analysis of 365 college-aged men's definitions of the term "rape." Our analysis via consensual qualitative research revealed that men's definitions fit into nine primary domains: lack of consent, taken advantage of, sex, sexual activity, unwanted, gender/sex-specific, harm to victim, relationship, and emotional response, as well as a miscellaneous domain. Further, using chi-square tests of independence, we compared responses from men with and without histories of sexual violence perpetration. Findings showed that the definitions generated by men with a history of perpetration were less likely to include nonpenetrative sexual violence and were more likely to use gender/sex-specific language. We conclude that most young men have a generally accurate understanding of rape, though perpetrators' understandings may be somewhat narrower and more limited than those without a history of perpetration. We end with recommendations for refocusing sexual education curricula to better aid in the prevention of sexual violence perpetration. Specifically, given that (most) men know what rape is, educators should emphasize the cultural and situational factors that make rape more likely so all people can reduce the risk of sexual violence and take proactive precautions to prevent it.

Evidence documents the importance of individual differences in masculinity ideology for men's biological, social, and psychological wellbeing. Studies investigating the developmental antecedents of masculinity ideology and how it changes during specific developmental phases, however, are scarce. The present study examined the influence of childhood adversity and socioeconomic instability on Black men's masculinity ideology during emerging adulthood. Specifically, we investigated changes in two types of masculinity ideology: (a) respect-based, which is associated with prosocial outcomes such as hard work, education, and fidelity, and (b) reputation-based, which is related to antisocial outcomes such as sexual prowess, toughness, and authority-defying behavior. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling with three waves of data from 504 Black American men aged 19 to 22 at baseline living in resource-poor communities in the rural South. Results indicated that childhood adversity was associated with elevated socioeconomic instability during emerging adulthood. Childhood adversity and socioeconomic instability were associated with decreases in respect-based masculinity and increases in reputation-based masculinity. Indirect effects were detected whereby childhood adversity was associated with respect-based and reputation-based masculinity indirectly via socioeconomic instability. Taken together, these results suggest that childhood adversity and socioeconomic instability forecast changes in the types of masculinity ideology rural Black men endorse during the emerging adulthood transition.

Few studies have tested what aspects of manhood are associated with health. In this study, we examine how aspects of African American Manhood are related to health. Using cross-sectional data from a criterion sample of 300 African American men 35-73 years old (M = 46.53), we examined how aspects of African American Manhood, demographic characteristics, and health conditions were related to self-rated health. When we controlled for demographics, SES and health conditions, different aspects of manhood were associated with good/excellent health. Across four linear regression models, we found that the Religion and Spirituality factor was the component of African American Manhood most strongly associated with good/excellent self-rated health. The Religion and Spirituality factor was the only aspect of African American Manhood that remained significant when we controlled for SES and health conditions. Neither Reputation, Respectability, nor aspects of role strain remained significantly associated with good/excellent self-rated health when we controlled for SES and health conditions. In analyses examining the relationship between lower odds of good/excellent self-rated health and aspects of ethnic identity, only Afrocentric subscales that highlight behaviors that demonstrate a connection to Africa (e.g., celebrating Kwanzaa) and greater importance of learning about African culture or spiritual beliefs in Africa remained significant. Finally, we found that African American men who reported a body mass index in the normal range, an income level above $50,000, being employed, and having no chronic conditions were more likely to report good/excellent self-rated health than African American men who reported poor/fair health.

There has been a recent increase in the amount of research on male victims of female-perpetrated partner violence (PV) but research needs to be conducted to understand how the patterns of abuse persist in these relationships. In the current study, the experiences of 59 male PV victims in the USA, recruited through online advertisements in professional networks and websites (e.g., agencies that specialize in male victims of PV), were explored through a thematic analysis. Analyses suggested that the help seeking process of male PV victims is complex and heterogeneous and can often lead to further negative consequences due to various structural, cultural, social, and organizational factors. The findings also highlight the potential societal issues that male victims perceived as contributing to male victimization and lack of available resources for them. The results are discussed in terms of its implications for agencies, service providers, and general societal attitudes that are relevant to raising awareness about this phenomenon.

Prior research indicates that adherence to the male role norm suggesting men should seek to attain social status (i.e., status) is positively related to prosocial bystander attitudes and behavior; however, moderators of this effect have yet to be examined. One construct that may influence this effect is benevolent sexism. The present study sought to fill this gap in the literature. Participants were 148 men 21-30 years of age from the metro Atlanta area who reported that they had engaged in heavy drinking at least three times in the past year. A moderation model was used to examine the independent and interactive effects of adherence to the status norm and benevolent sexism on bystander behavior within party settings for friends and strangers. The model predicting bystander behavior towards friends showed a significant interaction between status and benevolent sexism ( = .59, = .021). The association between adherence to the status norm and bystander behavior was significant and positive among men who reported high benevolent sexism ( = .96, = .003), but not low benevolent sexism (β=.15, p=.619). No such effects were detected for bystander behavior for strangers. Findings suggest that males who hold traditional male ideologies around chivalry may be more likely to engage in prosocial bystander behavior towards women in party situations, perhaps as a way of demonstrating their high status. These findings have implications for future programming for men.