Implications of masculine gender role stress in male veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

The relationships between masculine gender role stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, alexithymia, fear of emotional states, and social support were examined in a sample of male veterans (N = 45) seeking inpatient treatment for PTSD. After accounting for PTSD symptom severity, masculine gender role stress was significantly and positively associated with alexithymia and significantly and negatively related to social support. Contrary to expectations, masculine gender role stress was not associated with PTSD symptom severity or fear of emotional states. Results are discussed in terms of addressing the emotional and social difficulties of male veterans with PTSD within the context of traditional masculine gender norms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)