Impact of Masculinity and Normative Male Alexithymia on Interpersonal Difficulties in Young Adult Males

Abstract

The study of psychology of men and masculinity received scientific attention recently focusing on gender differences and its impact in communicating and expressing emotions. It has been proposed that men, who had been discouraged as boys in expressing and talking about their emotions showed difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions throughout their lives which has been termed as normative male alexithymia (Levant, 2011). Emotions are related to many vital functions, and its awareness leads to healthy intrapersonal and interpersonal functioning. The present study aimed to explore the impact of masculinity and normative male alexithymia on interpersonal difficulties in young adult males. Assessment measures included a demographic form, sex role attitude scale, normative male alexithymia scale, and interpersonal difficulties scale. Sample of the study (N=232) included young adult males (Age = 18 to 24) who were approached through the universities of Lahore. Results suggested that with the increase in traditional masculinity, normative male alexithymia and interpersonal difficulties also increases. Further it was found that traditional masculinity predicted interpersonal difficulties and normative male alexithymia aggravate the relationship. Moreover, normative male alexithymia mediates the relationship between traditional masculinity and interpersonal difficulties. Findings of the study were explained and future implications were discussed.