Integrative Model of Masculinity

Now let’s put it all together. The following diagram illustrates the Integrative Model of Masculinity

In the center of the diagram is an individual man that has a certain style of masculinity composed of his personality, gender role, and self-concept.

On the left side of the diagram are sets of influences that impact the person’s masculinity. Each box (Cultural & Environmental, Biological & Evolutionary; Social & Familial; Psychological & Developmental) represents a different angle of research being done on men and masculinity.

The box on the bottom right represents the costs and negative impact of the individual’s style of masculinity, which feeds back to him as motivation to cope and change.

The box on the top right represents the benefits and positive impact of the individual’s style of masculinity, which feeds back to him as positive reinforcement for specific behaviors or his style of masculinity.

This offers a more complete picture of how all of these diverse elements impact an individual male’s masculinity, and I believe is useful for researchers, mental health professionals, or anyone else interested in understanding men.