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EXAMINING THE LINK BETWEEN MASCULINE NORMS, ALEXITHYMIA, AND MENTAL WELL-BEING IN MALES AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THEIR LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT WITH THEIR CHILDREN.
El-Ghali, Jana
El-Ghali, Jana
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Abstract
Masculine norms refer to specific behaviours expected from men in a society. These norms can hinder men's mental well-being by discouraging emotional expression, leading to male normative alexithymia. Additionally, these norms could also contribute to the father’s emotional state and his level of engagement with his children. This paper aims to find a relationship between adherence to masculine norms, normative male alexithymia, and the mental well-being of males living in KSA. It further aims to describe a connection between a father’s emotional state and level of engagement with his children. The study uses a mixed-method design. The quantitative method involved an online self-report questionnaire distributed to participants, consisting of demographic factors, the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) to assess mental well-being, the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire-Short Form (PAQ-S) to measure alexithymia, and the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-22 (CMNI-22) to evaluate adherence to masculine norms. The qualitative method involved face-to-face interviews with five fathers recruited through random professors at Effat University. The coded interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results of the quantitative survey showed a significant weak positive correlation between masculine norms and alexithymia. A non-significant weak negative correlation between mental well-being and alexithymia. A non-significant weak positive correlation between masculine norms and mental well-being. The results of the interviews showed that most fathers tend to detach from their children when faced with stress. However, maintaining active engagement, particularly through positive interactions, can potentially reduce their distress. Disengaging children during challenging periods may undermine fathers' mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of maintaining involvement. These findings highlight the significance of tailored parenting programs and interventions for fathers, having mental health support services for males, and promoting awareness of men’s mental health through educational campaigns.