A study from the University of Chicago argues that masculinity can be toxic. The researchers found that ‘absolute’ men tend to die several years earlier than men whose masculine traits are less pronounced.
Masculinity covers a set of characteristics, behaviors, and roles that a society considers truly male. But the early deaths among these so-called ‘real men’ aren’t explained by too much time at the gym, fast car driving, or other unhealthy habits. The team found these men shorten their lives by avoiding medical care: they’re too proud to seek help because they fear being seen as weak.
What Did the Scientists Discover?
During the study, the researchers followed 4,000 men ages 12 to 42 who all had high blood pressure, a known risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and dementia, the Daily Mail reported.
Participants with more pronounced masculine traits were 11 percent less likely to take prescribed blood pressure medication. The team also found that those who showed signs of masculinity from a young age were 7 percent less likely to take prescribed hypertension medication at ages 30 to 40 and 10 percent less likely to take diabetes medication.
The researchers say the desire to appear self-sufficient and strong keeps men from seeking medical care. They found that even after diagnosis, many of these participants refused treatment.
That refusal is dangerous because masculine men develop serious health problems, particularly cardiovascular disease, which could often be prevented if these ‘heroes’ took their health seriously.
The Pressure of Society
Men who display more pronounced masculine traits often emphasize dominance and deny vulnerability, making them victims of social stereotypes. They believe they should never cry, complain, or show weakness. They also feel they shouldn’t rush to the doctor for every ‘little thing.’
‘Our hypothesis is that social pressure leads to behavioral differences that affect efforts to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease,’ said lead author Dr. Nathaniel Glasser. The desire to fit the image of the ‘absolute’ man often overrides common sense that would lead these men to seek medical care.
Because these masculine men are less likely to seek medical help, diagnoses can go unnoticed for years until they become much more serious.
A Cleveland Clinic survey in Texas found that 65 percent of men avoid visiting doctors for as long as possible, citing being too busy, hoping the problem will resolve itself, or not wanting to appear weak.
Conversations about men accepting their vulnerability are growing, but many men still say they feel pressure to stay tough.
