Men's Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors and Traditional Masculinity Ideologies: A Person-Centered, Latent Profile Approach

Background: Men are up to four times more likely to die by suicide than women. At the same time, men are less likely to disclose suicidal ideation and transition more rapidly from ideation to attempt. Recently, socialized gender norms such as traditional masculinity ideologies (TMI) have been discussed as driving factor for men’s increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). This study aims to examine the individual interplay between TMI dimensions and their association with depression symptoms, help-seeking, and STBs. Methods: Using data from an anonymous online survey of 488 cisgender men, latent profile analysis was performed to identify TMI subgroups. Multigroup comparisons and hierarchical regression analyses were used to estimate differences in sociodemographic characteristics, depression symptoms, psychotherapy use, and STBs. Results: Three latent TMI subgroups were identified: Egalitarians (58.6%; characterized by overall low TMI), Players (16.0%; characterized by patriarchal beliefs, endorsement of sexual promiscuity, and heterosexual self-presentation), and Stoics (25.4%; characterized by restrictive emotionality, self-reliance, and engagement in risky behavior). Stoics showed a 2.32 times higher risk for a lifetime suicide attempt, younger age, stronger somatization of depression symptoms, and stronger unbearability beliefs. Conclusion: The interplay between TMI about restrictive emotionality, self-reliance, and willingness to engage in risky behavior, paired with suicidal beliefs about the unbearability of emotional pain, may create a suicidogenic psychosocial system. Acknowledging this high-risk subgroup of men entrenched in restrictive TMI may aid the development of tailored intervention programs, ultimately mitigating the risk for a suicide attempt.