Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Psychology, Clinical-Community

Date of Defense

4-27-2022

Graduate Advisor

Matthew J Taylor

Committee

Ann Steffen

Devin E Banks

Kathleen Nigro

Abstract

Although men from all racial backgrounds have several poor health outcomes, most of the research suggests that Black men have even worse health outcomes compared to White men (Bowman, 1989; Watkins & Neighbors, 2007; Williams, 2003). The majority of published research on masculinity, however, has primarily focused on samples of White men. The issue of how racism intersects with masculinity and its impact on Black men remains understudied and is a current area of focus in the field. The present study examined relationships between Black men on the cultural measures of masculinity and self-esteem, Dark Triad (narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism), and self-compassion. Black men (N = 278) were recruited from mTurk to participate in a brief online survey. Structural equation modeling revealed that adherence to traditional/hegemonic masculine norms was more strongly and positively associated with self-esteem, endorsement of Dark Triad traits, and self-compassion. The relationship between Black masculinity and self-esteem and self-compassion was also positive, although these relationships were weaker. Black masculinity was negatively related to endorsement of Dark Triad traits which may serve as a protective factor. These findings highlight the need to better understand the ways in which multiple factors integrate and inherently influence personality as well as adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms in particular contexts among Black men. Intervention and prevention implications include integration of discussion related to masculinity themes in the research and therapy process.

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