Measuring masculinity in the context of chronic disease
Article
Article Title | Measuring masculinity in the context of chronic disease |
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ERA Journal ID | 30338 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Chambers, Suzanne K. (Author), Hyde, Melissa K. (Author), Oliffe, John L. (Author), Zajdlewicz, Leah (Author), Lowe, Anthony (Author), Wootten, Addie C. (Author) and Dunn, Jeff (Author) |
Journal Title | Psychology of Men and Masculinity |
Journal Citation | 17 (3), pp. 228-242 |
Number of Pages | 15 |
Year | 2016 |
Place of Publication | United States |
ISSN | 1524-9220 |
1939-151X | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1037/men0000018 |
Web Address (URL) | http://psycnet.apa.org/index.cfm?fa=search.displayrecord&uid=2015-50154-001 |
Abstract | Masculine beliefs are influential in men's responses to illness; however, current measures of masculinity may not be salient for highly prevalent chronic diseases such as prostate cancer. To address this gap, a contextualized measure of masculinity for men with prostate cancer was developed. A novel measure of masculinity, the Masculinity in Chronic Disease Inventory (MCD-I), was developed based on existing qualitative data and tested for acceptability and face validity with 19 men previously treated for prostate cancer. A cross-sectional survey of 403 Australian men with prostate cancer (Mage = 70.34 years; SD = 7.25) then assessed convergent, divergent, and discriminant validity for the MCD-I using existing reliable and valid measures of masculinity, masculine self-esteem, quality of life, erectile dysfunction, and sexual help seeking. A 6-factor structure for the MCD-I (22 items) was confirmed with good to excellent internal reliabilities (alpha = 0.69 -0.92) for the subscale domains of Strength, Sexual Importance/Priority; Family Responsibilities; Emotional Self-Reliance; Optimistic Capacity; and Action Approach. Acceptable convergent and divergent validity was supported, and the MCD-I was also able to discriminate between men with severe versus moderate to mild erectile dysfunction (p = .002) and the Sexual Importance/Priority domain discriminated between men who had sought sexual advice and those who had not (p = .005). A contextual approach to measuring masculinity in men with prostate cancer may help avoid reductionist approaches for focusing on erectile dysfunction in these populations. This also presents a way forward for gender-sensitive psychosocial services and programs for men experiencing prostate cancer. |
Keywords | chronic disease; help seeking; masculinity; prostate cancer; sexual adjustment |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 321104. Cancer therapy (excl. chemotherapy and radiation therapy) |
520502. Gender psychology | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | Griffith University |
University of British Columbia, Canada | |
Cancer Council Australia, Australia | |
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia | |
Department of Health, Victoria | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q443q/measuring-masculinity-in-the-context-of-chronic-disease
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