The Role of Masculine Norms and Informal Support on Mental Health in Incarcerated Men

Mental health problems in general and major depression in particular are prevalent among incarcerated men. Of state inmates, 23% are estimated to experience symptoms of major depression. Despite the high rates of depressive symptoms, the psychosocial factors that are associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms of incarcerated men are little understood. One factor relevant to the mental health of incarcerated men is their adherence to traditional masculine norms. We investigated the role of masculine norms and informal support on depressive and anxiety symptoms among 123 incarcerated men. The results revealed that adherence to the masculine norm of emotional control was negatively associated with depressive symptoms, whereas heterosexual presentation and informal support were related to both depressive and anxiety symptoms. High levels of reported informal support moderated the effects of heterosexual presentation on depressive and anxiety symptoms. Public health and clinical implications are discussed.