Filipino masculinity and psychological distress: A preliminary comparison between gay and heterosexual men

This article reports on a study that compared Filipino gay (N = 43) and heterosexual (N = 767) men on measures of male role attitudes and behavior, depression, and anxiety. The authors used the Filipino Adherence and Conflict with Expectations of Masculinity Questionnaire to assess 7 male role dimensions, as well as the Mehrabian Trait Anxiety and Depression Scales and the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale. Analyses indicated that Filipino gay men conformed less to, and experienced greater conflict with, norms for family orientedness and for respectful deference to spouse, women, and elders. Gay men’s anxiety was associated with less conformity to the male role prescription to be strong. Heterosexual men’s depression was associated with less conformity to the role prescription to be family oriented. The discussion explores the divergent attitudes of gay and heterosexual men regarding family life, as well as implications for clinical practice and public policy.