2021 Undergraduate Research Showcase
 

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-23-2021

Faculty Sponsor

Matthew C. Genuchi

Abstract

Men conforming to hegemonic masculine gender role norms experience concerns like untreated depression, aggression, and increased fear expressing negative affect. Men may use thought suppression (TS) to avoid thoughts associated with emotions like sadness; paradoxically, TS’s ironic effect makes thoughts more intrusive. Research has found men conforming to the masculine norm of toughness more likely to use TS, and TS has links to aggression and even suicidality. While TS relates to problematic outcomes, little research exists exploring its relationship with masculinity. This study explores the relationship, focusing on additional masculine norms.

785 men reporting a recent stressful life event were surveyed using The Male Role Norms Inventory-Short Form and White Bear Thought Suppression Inventory. Correlations were calculated for all variables. A moderate, positive correlation was found between men’s overall conformity to hegemonic masculine gender role norms and thought suppression (r (783) = .452, p < .001) -- participants with higher masculine norm conformity tend to engage in more TS. Additionally, each specific norm was moderately, positively correlated with thought suppression. This study adds to limited findings on conformity to masculine norms and TS. These results indicate thought suppression’s broad association with conformity to hegemonic masculine gender role norms--no norm was exempt from association.

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