Suicide among men is a multifaceted issue that requires innovative approaches to understanding and addressing risk factors. While mental health disorders and suicidal ideation remain important factors, cultural norms associated with masculinity play a critical but often overlooked role in increasing suicide risk in men. Recognizing the interplay between these dimensions and psychosocial factors can help save lives and promote a more comprehensive understanding of suicidal behavior.
Suicide is a complex phenomenon that disproportionately affects men, who are up to four times more likely to die by suicide compared to women. At the same time, men are generally less likely to disclose suicidal thoughts and tend to move more quickly from suicidal ideation to action, making early intervention more difficult.
To understand this elevated risk, it is necessary to investigate the factors that influence these behaviors, especially in the context of cultural and social norms associated with masculinity.
Historically, mental health disorders, such as depression, have been considered important risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). Approximately 90% of people who die by suicide have a psychiatric diagnosis, with mood disorders such as depression having the strongest association with STBs.
However, many men who die by suicide have never been diagnosed or sought professional help, suggesting that depression in these cases may manifest in atypical forms, such as irritability, substance abuse, or physical symptoms.
In addition, suicidal ideation, another frequently discussed factor, is an unstable and heterogeneous construct. Many individuals deny suicidal thoughts before an attempt, as demonstrated by studies in which a high proportion of suicide attempters did not report prior suicidal ideation. This pattern is even more common among men, who have greater difficulty verbalizing emotional distress.
Because of the lack of consistency and predictability in suicidal ideation, researchers have proposed using more stable suicidal beliefs, such as feelings of being a burden or socially disconnected, to assess risk. These beliefs are more enduring and may provide a more reliable basis for identifying individuals at risk.
Masculine gender norms, known as traditional masculinity ideologies (TMI), represent a set of cultural beliefs that shape how men should behave. These norms include expectations of self-sufficiency, emotional control, and rejection of behaviors considered feminine, such as expressing vulnerability.
Men who adhere strongly to these norms often demonstrate stoicism and reluctance to seek help, even in the face of intense psychological distress.
Conformity to these masculine norms (MN) is not only associated with reduced mental health treatment seeking but can also lead to outward displays of distress, such as risky behaviors and anger, which increase suicide risk.
Furthermore, in contexts where masculine norms are rigid, suicide may be perceived as a way to regain control over situations that are considered unbearable, reinforcing suicidal behavior as an “acceptable” outlet for emotional distress.
Recent research suggests that different dimensions of MN may interact in unique ways to increase suicide risk. For example, men who value extreme self-sufficiency and avoid expressing emotions often struggle to cope with depressive symptoms.
This behavioral pattern, combined with suicidal beliefs such as the unbearability of emotional pain, may create a psychosocial system that makes suicide more likely.
Using data from an anonymous online survey of 488 cisgender men, latent profile analysis was performed to identify subgroups of CMN. Multigroup comparisons and hierarchical regression analyses were used to estimate differences in sociodemographic characteristics, symptoms of depression, use of psychotherapy, and STBs.
The study identified three subgroups of men based on their conformity to masculine norms:
1- Egalitarians (58.6%): Characterized by low adherence to traditional norms of masculinity, they had a lower risk of depression and suicidal behavior.
2- Gamers (16.0%): Defined by patriarchal beliefs and behaviors aimed at sexual promiscuity and heterosexual self-presentation, they had a moderate risk of depression and STBs.
3- Stoics (25.4%): They presented characteristics such as restrictive emotionality, self-confidence, and inclination to risky behaviors. This group was associated with a higher risk of suicide attempts, somatization of depressive symptoms, and suicidal beliefs about emotional unbearability.
Stoics, in particular, stand out as a high-risk group, with a 2.32-fold increased risk of suicide attempts over a lifetime. This vulnerability is related to a combination of psychosocial factors, such as difficulty coping with emotions, perceptions of incompatibility between suffering and ideals of masculinity, and persistent suicidal beliefs.
Recognizing the impact of restrictive masculine norms on mental health is crucial to developing effective preventive strategies. Tailored interventions that consider the specificities of male subgroups may help reduce suicide risk.
For example, programs that challenge stereotypes of masculinity and encourage emotional expression may facilitate help-seeking and reduce emotional isolation.
Furthermore, strategies to identify persistent suicidal beliefs, regardless of the manifestation of suicidal ideation, can improve risk assessment and allow for earlier interventions. Finally, awareness campaigns that address cultural gender norms and promote healthy models of masculinity can help mitigate risk factors associated with suicide in men.
Suicide among men is a multifaceted issue that requires innovative approaches to understanding and addressing risk factors. While mental health disorders and suicidal ideation remain important factors, cultural norms associated with masculinity play a critical but often overlooked role in increasing suicide risk in men.
Recognizing the interplay between these dimensions and psychosocial factors can help save lives and promote a more comprehensive understanding of suicidal behavior.
IMPORTANT:
If you need help and want to talk or know someone who is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, please seek help:
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) Website: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/ The IASP provides a comprehensive directory of crisis centers worldwide.
Befrienders Worldwide Website: https://www.befrienders.org. Offers a searchable database of helplines and crisis centers around the globe.
Lifeline International Website: https://lifelineinternational.org . A network of crisis helplines in multiple countries.
WHO Mental Health Support Page
Website: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day Contains links to mental health resources and strategies for well-being.
United Nations’ Campaign for Suicide Prevention (INSPIRE) Website: https://www.un.org Provides global insights and helplines for at-risk populations.
READ MORE:
Men's Suicidal thoughts and behaviors and conformity to masculine norms: A person-centered, latent profile approach
Lukas Eggenberger, Lena Spangenberg, Matthew C. Genuchi, and Andreas Walther
Heliyon. Volume 10, Issue 20. e39094October 30, 2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39094
Abstract:
Men are up to four times more likely to die by suicide than women. At the same time, men are less likely to disclose suicidal ideation and transition more rapidly from ideation to attempt. Recently, socialized gender norms and particularly conformity to masculine norms (CMN) have been discussed as driving factors for men's increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). This study aims to examine the individual interplay between CMN dimensions and their association with depression symptoms, help-seeking, and STBs. Using data from an anonymous online survey of 488 cisgender men, latent profile analysis was performed to identify CMN subgroups. Multigroup comparisons and hierarchical regression analyses were used to estimate differences in sociodemographic characteristics, depression symptoms, psychotherapy use, and STBs. Three latent CMN subgroups were identified: Egalitarians (58.6 %; characterized by overall low CMN), Players (16.0 %; characterized by patriarchal beliefs, endorsement of sexual promiscuity, and heterosexual self-presentation), and Stoics (25.4 %; characterized by restrictive emotionality, self-reliance, and engagement in risky behavior). Stoics showed a 2.32 times higher risk for a lifetime suicide attempt, younger age, stronger somatization of depression symptoms, and stronger unbearability beliefs. The interplay between the CMN dimensions of restrictive emotionality, self-reliance, and willingness to engage in risky behavior, paired with suicidal beliefs about the unbearability of emotional pain, may create a suicidogenic psychosocial system. Acknowledging this high-risk subgroup of men conforming to restrictive masculine norms may aid the development of tailored intervention programs, ultimately mitigating the risk of a suicide attempt.
Comments