How does masculinity impact on health? A quantitative study of masculinity and health behavior in a sample of UK men and women.

• DOI: 10.1037/a0037261
• Publication Date: 2014-07-21T15:47:54Z
• Authors: Claire Sloan; Mark Conner; Brendan Gough
• Keywords: Sample (material)

Masculinity is implicated in men's health practices (e.g.Courtenay, 2000).However there little quantitative work the UK that examines this relationship for both men and women.This study addressed gap literature examined moderating effect of gender on between elements masculinity positive (physical activity, unsaturated fat, fruit fiber) negative (smoking, alcohol saturated fat intake) behaviours.A community sample 182 274 women (mean age = 35.89years) were recruited from a call centre local authority North East England.Participants completed self-report measures Masculine Gender Role Stress (MGRS), Male Norms (MRN), Extended Personal Attributes (EPAQ), HealthBehaviors.Hierarchical regression analysis controlled effects age, education ethnicity revealed aspects measured by MGRS MRNS predicted worse behaviors (i.e.lower levels higher behaviors), although these relationships more numerous stronger men.Agency traits EPAQ predictive increased physical activity regardless gender, less intake men.Results are discussed terms their implications applications to promotion.