ROLE OF MASCULINE NORMS AND SELF STIGMA IN MASCULINE DEPRESSION OF MALE EMERGING ADULTS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Depression in males has been underestimated over the years. One of the probable reasons is that male population tend to mask their depression. To find out the factors which can contribute to masking of masculine depression, the objective of the research is aimed to  understand the role of masculine norms and self-stigma in masculine depression of young male adults’ population of Pakistan, along with dominant masculine norms being followed by Pakistani male Population. It was hypothesized that there will be a significant relationship: (a) between masculine norms and masculine depression, (b) between masculine norms and self-stigma, and (c) between self-stigma and depression. Total 255 male participants (aged 18-25) from different higher education institutes were selected through purposive sampling technique. By using survey method, Male Role Norm Inventory- Short Form (MRNI-SF; Levant, 2013), Male Depression Risk scale (MDRS; Rice et al 2013) and Self Stigma of Depression Scale (SSDS; Barnet et al 2010). was administered on participants. Results were computed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 21). Correlational analysis was performed to understand the relationship between the variables. Results revealed that there is no significant relationship between masculine norms and masculine depression, whereas there is weak positive correlation between masculine norms and self- stigma, and a weak positive correlation between self-stigma and masculine depression. Moreover, most commonly followed masculine norm in Pakistan is found to be ‘Self Reliance’. This study provides an important insight on how gendered responses contribute to  male mental health and its impact on self-stigma.