Precarious Manhood Beliefs Are Positively Associated with Erectile Dysfunction in Cisgender Men

Bibliographic Data

ID8356306
AuthorsAndreas Walther (0000-0001-6999-3862, University of Zurich, corresponding author), Timothy Rice (0000-0003-2555-5793, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai), Lukas Eggenberger (0000-0003-3826-723X, University of Zurich)
Year2023
Volume52
Issue7
Pages3123-3138
Publication date2023-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueArchives of Sexual Behavior (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0004-0002 • E-ISSN: 1573-2800
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s10508-023-02640-4
PMID37351710
OpenAlexW4381716094
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited66

The notions that manhood is hard to attain, easy to lose, and needs to be proven via public action constitute precarious manhood beliefs (PMB). PMB is a new concept and it remains unclear whether and how PMB relate to erectile dysfunction (ED) in cisgender men. The ability to achieve an erection remains considered as a cornerstone of masculinity and sexual performance can be conceived as a proof of one’s masculinity. In this context, ED can be received as sexual failure and a threat to a man’s masculinity and sense of adequacy. For these reasons, the hypothesis that PMB are associated with ED warranted empirical testing. In an anonymous online survey focusing on men’s mental health conducted in German-speaking countries of Europe, 507 cisgender men ( M age = 44.2, SD age = 15.2) completed measures on PMB, sexual function, self-stigma, social desirability, and conformity to traditional masculinity ideology (TMI). Multilinear regression analysis with stepwise introduction of relevant covariates evaluated potential associations between PMB and ED. Of a 507 cisgendered male sample, 63.1% reported an increased risk for ED based on previously established cutoff points. Elevated levels of PMB endorsement among the men predicted reduced sexual and erectile function in all models, even when accounting for relevant control variables such as age, education, self-stigma, social desirability, or conformity to TMI. Group comparisons revealed that the men suffering from ED showed higher levels of PMB endorsement but not self-stigma nor TMI relative to men without ED. PMB are significantly associated with ED. While determining causality will require further study, our results may support the hypothesis that higher levels of PMB endorsement may lead to increased tension to perform sexually, resulting in increased psychological pressure and a higher risk to develop ED

Conformity · Context (archaeology) · Erectile dysfunction · Masculinity · Psychiatry · Clinical Psychology · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Psychology · Sexual function and dysfunction studies · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology

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