Traditional masculinity and African American men's health-related attitudes and behaviors.

This study investigates aspects of masculinity that may relate to African American men's health-related attitudes and behaviors. Two hundred and eight men completed measures of traditional masculinity ideology and health-related attitudes and behaviors. Results indicated that after accounting for participants' age, education, income, and employment status, traditional masculinity norms of self-reliance and aggression were associated with behaviors conducive to personal wellness and certain health-related psychological tendencies. Restrictive emotionality was associated with anxiety about one's health and the belief that one's health status is outside of one's personal control. Implications of the findings for the health-related attitudes and behaviors of African American men are discussed.