Estereótipos de género e saúde mental masculina na Europa

: uma análise ecológica

Abstract

The present dissertation investigated, from an ecological perspective, the relationship between gender stereotypes and men’s mental health in Europe. This topic is relevant given the evidence that traditional norms of masculinity may hinder emotional expression and help seeking, thereby negatively affecting psychological well-being. Using the 27 Member States of the European Union as units of analysis, the study sought to relate data from Eurobarometer 465 (a population survey on opinions and attitudes related to gender stereotypes) with data from Eurostat, namely indicators of men’s psychological health, such as depressive symptoms and severity, perceived health status, social support, and life satisfaction, as well as self-care behaviors, including regular physical activity and unmet medical needs. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between traditional gender stereotypes and poorer indicators of well-being, namely severe limitations in daily functioning (r = –0.555; p = 0,002), life satisfaction (r = –0.436; p = 0,020), as well as a lower proportion of men reporting depressive symptoms (r = –0.711; p < 0,001) and a higher proportion of men reporting physical inactivity (r = 0.646; p < 0,001). However, several of these effects did not remain statistically significant in multiple regression models that included macroeconomic variables such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the unemployment rate. The findings suggest that men’s psychological well-being is influenced by sociocultural factors (including gender stereotypes), and that its promotion requires cross-sectoral and context-sensitive approaches. Relevant implications are also highlighted for the promotion of gender equality and mental health, while acknowledging the limitation of the ecological design in drawing causal inferences.

Date of Award	17 Jul 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Diogo Costa (Supervisor)