Protocol for a Systematic Review of Masculinity and Relationship Satisfaction Among Men and Women

Previous research has examined the relationship among masculinity and relationship outcomes and generally have found support that masculinity is related to lower relationship satisfaction. More specifically, men who adhere to traditional masculinity or who endorse traditional masculinity report lower relationship and sexual satisfaction, and women whose male partners adhere to and endorse more traditional masculinity also have lower relationship satisfaction. However, neither a meta-analysis nor a systematic review of how studies have operationalized and measured both masculinity and relationship satisfaction have been performed on this relationship. In addition, little is known whether studies using dyadic or individual participants are systematically different. To address these issues, a systematic review will be conducted examining the role of masculinity (adherence or endorsement) on relationship satisfaction for men and women. The implications of these findings will be addressed.