Digital Commons Network^™

The Relationship Between Masculinity & Friendships: A Thematic Analysis On The Qualities Of Male Friendships, Dulshi Fernando, Valeria Aguilera, Kristin Vierra, Diana Gutierrez

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Certain masculinity norms such as toughness, emotional stoicism, and homophobia appear to be barriers to forming intimate friendships between boys and men.

Boys and men who do not successfully build close connections may experience low self-esteem and impaired psychological health.

Boys and men who effectively build intimate relationships benefit from peer support and companionship as well as a decrease in anxiety and depression levels.

Scholars have yet to conduct a meta-synthesis exploring the relation between masculinity and friendship.

Uncovering Themes Of Masculinity Within Male Friendships And Synthesizing Future Interventions, Maria Isabelle Avenido, Valeria Aguilera, Kristin Vierra, Diana Gutierrez

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Masculinity norms such as toughness, emotional stoicism, and homophobia are suggested to impede the formation of close male friendships. A lack of close friendships can lead to poor self-esteem and impaired psychological health. Boys and men who effectively build intimate relationships gain from peer support and companionship as well as a decrease in anxiety and depression levels. Scholars have yet to develop a data-driven intervention to assist boys and men in critically analyzing masculinity, thus the current study's findings will contribute to the development of these interventions that could encourage boys and men to properly assess harmful elements of masculinity …