Abstract
Background
Identification of masculine values associated with men’s depression and suicide risk may generate new intervention targets for those with known static risk factors (e.g., exposure to childhood maltreatment).
Aims
To validate the factor structure of a measure of health-related masculine values and examine correlates relative to childhood maltreatment exposure.
Method
Self-report data was collected from 530 Canadian men, mean age 47.91 years (SD = 14.51).
Results
Confirmatory factor analysis validated an abbreviated eight-item, two-factor model of the Intensions Masculine Values Scale (IMVS-8; CFI = .984, TLI = .977, RMSEA = .054, SRMR = .032). Cluster groups of low (n = 57), moderate (n = 206) and high (n = 267) adherence to these health-related masculine values were identified, equivalent on exposure to childhood maltreatment and previous mental health treatment. A multivariate group × maltreatment interaction was observed (p = .017) whereby males in the low cluster with a maltreatment history endorsed higher mood-related symptomology. This same pattern was observed in a univariate group × maltreatment interaction for suicide risk (p = .006).
Conclusions
Health-related masculine values were associated with lower depression and suicide risk in men who have a history of childhood maltreatment. Future intervention studies should investigate whether development of health-related masculine values can reduce depression and suicide risk among men with a history of childhood maltreatment.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflicts of interest.