Psychological studies of masculinity focus heavily on toxic traits, review shows

A major systematic review of masculinity research has revealed a significant gap in how psychologists assess male identity, with nearly four-fifths of studies adopting a predominantly negative framework. The analysis found that 78 per cent of masculinity measures employ a deficit-based approach, focusing primarily on identifying and measuring harmful or toxic traits rather than examining positive attributes or strengths.

Researchers conducting the review noted that this imbalanced methodology has resulted in a narrow understanding of masculinity that fails to capture the full spectrum of male experience. By concentrating almost exclusively on dysfunction and harm, psychological literature has glossed over important dimensions including healthy relationships, cultural context, and the diverse ways masculinity is expressed across different communities and populations.

The findings highlight a methodological concern within psychology: that the field may have inadvertently created a skewed portrait of masculinity through its choice of measurement tools. This deficit-focused approach risks missing opportunities to identify and understand constructive masculine qualities and their role in individual wellbeing and social functioning.

The review suggests that future research on masculinity should broaden its scope to include strength-based frameworks, incorporate diverse cultural perspectives, and examine masculinity across varied demographic groups. Experts argue that a more balanced assessment approach would provide a fuller picture of male identity and behaviour, enabling better-informed therapeutic and educational interventions.