ABSTRACT
What does the simple phrase “a healthy male” mean ટ઼ When stated by physicians, it typically refers to a man lacking evidence of biomedical diseases. Another way that Americans commonly employ the term “healthy male” connotes the prominent display of features associated with traditional conceptions of masculinity (i.e., male gender roles). These psychosocial characteristics typically include interest in athletic competition, task orientation, and strong heterosexual sex drive. Although this second conception of “healthy male” is widely used, the degree to which it is associated with actual psychological health is increasingly questioned (e.g., Good & Mintz, 1993; Levant & Pollack, 1995). Similarly, recent theory and research are documenting that more traditional masculine gender roles are associated with poorer biomedical health in a number of important ways for men (e.g., Courtenay 1998; Eisler, 1995; Good, Wallace, & Borst, 1994; Sabo & Gordon, 1995). This chapter seeks to provide an overview of male gender roles, their implications for men's health, and suggestions for future research and interventions.
