Effects of Toxic Masculinity on Interpersonal Skills among

Male Psychology students at Bestlink College of the

Philippines

Group No.2
Year & Section:
BSP 1207

Members:
Jonalyn Acaso
Mikaela Comeda
Christian Jay Dagaas
Kristine Paola Francisco
Gabriel Luiz Leuterio
Jether Manabat
Mark Ferdinand Manuel
Angeline Oronan
Carla Panlilio
Maybeline Pines
Rina Marie Sagun

Date of Submitted:
May 12, 2023
Effects of Toxic Masculinity on Interpersonal Skills among Male
Psychology students at Bestlink College of the Philippines

Introduction and Background

It has been normalized that “men do not cry,” because once they do, they were
considered and teased as “gay.” Men were taught since they were a child to not cry
which cause them to suppress their emotions whenever they were sad. In the
Philippines a boy was often asked “Bakit ka umiiyak? Bakla ka ba?” or “Di ka ba
nahihiya kalalaki mong tao iyakin ka” when he was seen crying. This has been
unfortunately standardized as masculinity not only in the Philippines but worldwide. This
study aimed to give information about toxic masculinity, its effects on their interpersonal
skills, possible solutions, and recommendations.

As stated in Merriam-Webster (2019), masculinity is the characteristic or attitude

of male. It is the personality, traits or quality of manliness or masculinity. Masculinity is
the social requirements for being a man, it regards to the duties, actions, and qualities
that are accepted in a society as being appropriate for boys and men.

The term toxic masculinity, according to Michael Flood (2022), was vague in the
1900s and early 2000s, but became widespread around 2015 in the discourse of men
and gender. This refers to the malign masculinity for men, and detrimental for other
people around them. Toxic masculinity points out stereotypical masculinity traits such
as, toughness, superiority, inability to understand or manage their emotions, sexual
entitlement, and aggression to women.

As reported by Amy Morin (2022), “there are three core elements of toxic
masculinity: toughness, antifemininity, and power. Toughness is the beliefs that men
should be physically powerful, emotionally strong, and violent in behavior. Antifemininity
is the concept that men should not act as feminine, particularly expressing feelings, and
seeking assistance. Power is the impression that men must strive for social and
financial status as well as authority to earn other people’s respect.
 Interpersonal skills are the abilities needed to effectively connect, communicate,
and work with people of any size. Those with high interpersonal skills both verbally and
nonverbally are frequently referred to as being “good with people.” These abilities are
crucial for success in both professional and personal lives. (CFI Team, 2023)

Rationale

Toxic masculinity can have a significant impact on the personal lives of men, their
relationships, and their mental health. It can contribute to controlling behavior, emotional
manipulation, and verbal or physical abuse, which can lead to the breakdown of their
relationships with partners, family members, and friends. Toxic masculinity can also lead
to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

In accordance with Coach David Brockway (2019), there are many negative
outcomes of toxic masculinity for women and girls, as well to the boys and men. The
leading consequence would be mental illness and suicide. Suicide rates in the
Philippines for male are evidently higher than female, with rates of 3.1 for male, and 1.2
for female. Conforming to International Association for Suicide Prevention (2023), men
commit suicide at a rate that is more than twice as high as women do worldwide. In view
of the fact that “boys struggle to articulate their feelings, accept emotional vulnerability,
and acknowledging any kind of weakness.”

Toxic masculinity is a negative aspect of exaggerated masculine traits, which

boys and men may feel a pressure to conform to because of cultural or societal
expectations. Toxic masculinity may prevent men from completely expressing
themselves and their emotional needs because it is perceived as a sign of weakness or
vulnerability by others. For example, this might be the idea that men have to be
providers or shouldn't show weakness. Another example is never showing any emotions
because emotions are seen as a feminine trait so it can be portrayed as the man being
fragile and showing weakness.

Toxic masculinity has been around for centuries. It puts pressure on men to think
they need to have a strong physique, hide their emotions, and act in an aggressively
dominant way. Young men are constantly confronted by toxic male culture and images
of what it is to 'be a man'.

One problem of toxic masculinity written by Sarah Vallie (2022) is homophobia.

Men were taught that gay men are less strong and that the practice of homosexuality is
a break from standard males. Another behavior of toxic masculinity is refusing to assist
with chores around the house, as it is traditionally considered as ‘women’s work’ and
men should be the only one earning money. Moreover, men who have been impacted
by toxic masculinity are more prone to think they have a right to possess women’s
bodies, which leads to sexual remarks and harassment directed at women as well as a
greater propensity for perceiving rape myths. Furthermore, men are encouraged to use
aggression and violence to establish their control and male dominance, and to gain
respect if necessary.

Solution No.1

Emotional expression is encouraged.

Toxic masculinity frequently entails the repression of emotions, particularly

unpleasant emotions. Promoting emotional openness and vulnerability can lessen
hostility and foster healthy relationships. Dare to show emotion, be vulnerable and show
courage by asking for help when you need it. All men experience emotional difficulties
from time to time. Break the cycle of keeping it all inside by opening to your friends and
family and teaching others that it’s okay to give or receive support. Vulnerability usually
has nothing to do with masculinity. In fact, from a masculine point of view, vulnerability
equates to weakness. Being vulnerable to our emotions does not necessarily equate to
weakness. In fact, it's very wholesome, shows emotional maturity, and shows
confidence in your authentic self.

Luke (2022) stated that “Having someone else, especially other males to talk to
is very helpful since they are likely to have a similar emotion. The matter lies in the fact
that every individual has a mind and, as a result, feels emotions. All such standards are
based on out-of-date gender norms, and they’ve driven so many problems, even
deaths, among boys and men, so let us work together to guarantee that these
presumptions refrain from causing any further issues. Furthermore, to dismiss the toxic
masculinity in community, we must put into effect the message that “It’s okay not to be
okay.”

Conforming to Sam Dekin (2020), to express emotions you should be open and
truthful about your feelings. An excellent strategy to engage your emotions is to discover
passions that enable you to consider your sentiments. One of the great methods for
males to learn to express their emotions is through visiting a therapist. Don’t let toxic
masculinity dictate how you live your life. If you’re struggling and need help, reach out to
a therapist to talk. This is especially important if you’re in recovery for a mental health or
substance abuse problem. Therapy can also help you understand the effects of toxic
masculinity on your own well-being and develop healthier coping strategies for dealing
with emotional distress.

Psychologists can talk to boys and men about the thoughts and feelings they are
sending, and about avoiding affection from other males. To comprehend how aspects of
traditional masculinity like emotional stoicism, homophobia, failing to demonstrate
weakness, self-reliance, and competitiveness might prevent them from developing
genuine connections with male peers. In that mentality, psychologists work to help boys
and men gain a better awareness of the various positive ways they might express their
masculinity in relationships with other people. (APA Guidelines for Psychological
Practice with Boys and Men, 2018)

Solution No.2

Having positive role models.

Positive role models, such as parents, educators, and local authorities, can serve
as role models for healthy masculinity and advance gender equality. Role modeling can
aid in changing societal expectations and fostering more accepting attitudes toward
women and non-binary individuals.
 APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men (2018) said that
the preferences that parents and other relevant adults have concerning how their son
should be handled and how he ought to act influence the development of gender
identity before birth. Boys and girls start to categorize males and females in their early
years, and they increasingly attribute specific connotations to being male depending on
their experiences with gender socialization. Boys’ gender identities solidify over time
and have a bigger impact on their behavior. When a man approaches adulthood, he
tends to should exhibit actions that are appropriate for his ethnicity, culture, and various
definitions of masculinity.

To address the effects of toxic masculinity on men's personal lives, it is important

to promote healthier attitudes and behaviors around gender roles and relationships.
This can involve education and awareness-raising campaigns, as well as providing
support and resources for men who are struggling with mental health issues or
relationship problems.

To gain insight from those who exemplify a different type of identity, make friends
with women and nonbinary persons. If you want to become a better person, listen
without passing judgment. Try several viewpoints as a psychological exercise.

Solution No.3

Education and awareness.

Addressing toxic masculinity requires education. We must encourage positive

masculinity and raise awareness of the negative impacts of toxic masculinity. Public
campaigns, social media, workshops, and other educational initiatives can be used to
accomplish this. Our voices must all strive to work through empowerment to lift each
individual so they can become powerful and, most importantly, to promote equal
opportunity where no one should be left behind because, at the end of the day, it's not
about our identity, it's about what we can achieve as a community.
 A good start is learning how to recognize toxic behavior. When you see it, don’t
be complicit and call it out. Holding others accountable for their actions sends a clear
message that toxic masculinity is not okay. It is also important to hold toxic men
accountable for their behavior and to challenge toxic masculinity wherever it arises. By
working together to promote healthier attitudes and behaviors, we can create a safer
and more equal society for everyone.

The way that men perceive emotional vulnerability may be altered by having a
casual discussion about mental health difficulties. Men's emotions can be openly
discussed online in many places, but certain organizations are providing this discussion
to those who need it most. One group has made it their goal to bring the topic of mental
health awareness to the barbershop, a place where men may openly discuss their
issues. One such group that prioritizes men's mental health dialogues for wellness is
The Confess Project. In order to encourage men to express their concerns and connect
them with mental health resources, the project intends to train barbers as mental health
supporters. (Kortge, Z. 2021)

Final Proposed Solution

Educate people and support victims.

Toxic masculinity victims, particularly women and non-binary individuals, require

assistance and resources to deal with its negative impacts. Counseling, legal
assistance, and local resources might all fall under this category.

In the article written by Akerman (2021) in Vogue Arabia, according to Kerbage,

spreading mental health awareness campaigns on social media as well as
acknowledging and validating people's own perceptions and beliefs about mental health
without passing judgment or trying to educate them about it makes people, particularly
men, more receptive to improvement, conversation, and disclosure of their mental
distress.
 If you really want to help society rid itself of toxic masculinity, then you need to
educate the other men in your life about the harm it can do to others. You can lead in a
way that is not masculine, feminine, or representative of any gender role, but in a way
that is inclusive, supportive, and healthy for all. If you see other men displaying toxic
masculinity through aggression, sexism, oppression, or any other means please stop
and speak up. Let them know that this is not how anyone should treat another person,
no matter what gender they are. You don't need to use your fists to do this.

Many of the taboos that support toxic masculinity are being challenged by today's
society. Recognize that traditional male ideals are not absolute and faultless. Gender
identification is a personal matter, and gender standards change along with society. It is
important to approach the ability to evaluate toxic masculinity's negative impacts with
the intention of aiding people who are affected by it.

It's critical to remember that combating toxic masculinity calls for the
collaboration of individuals, communities, and organizations. A more equal and inclusive
society will take time and work to develop, but it is a goal worth pursuing.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study on "Effects of Toxic Masculinity on

Interpersonal Skills among Male Psychology students at Bestlink College of the
Philippines," the researchers would recommend the following:

Education and awareness campaigns. Given that the study found that many male
psychology students have a limited understanding of toxic masculinity, it is important to
develop educational programs and awareness campaigns to increase their
understanding of the issue. These campaigns can be implemented both within the
academic setting and in the wider community, with the goal of promoting healthy, non-
toxic forms of masculinity. More should be done to encourage positivity among boys.
Society as a whole should do more for boys, teach them to love themselves as they are,
accept their imperfections and strive to be better people.
 Encouraging critical reflection. It is important to encourage male psychology
students to critically reflect on their own beliefs and attitudes towards masculinity, and to
challenge any harmful or toxic attitudes they may hold. This can be done through
discussions, workshops, and other activities that encourage students to reflect on their
own experiences and assumptions. The ministry of education and other stakeholders
should establish programs that will teach boys about abuse and how to identify it, rape
culture and the harmful effects of it, consent, the importance of emotional intelligence
and the benefits of body positivity.

Promoting positive role models. The study found that male psychology students
often look to popular culture figures as role models for masculinity. As such, it is
important to promote positive role models who embody healthy, non-toxic forms of
masculinity. This can be done through media campaigns and by highlighting the
achievements and actions of men who embody positive qualities such as empathy,
emotional intelligence, and non-violence. Instead of ignoring the emotional requirements
of their male children, especially when they are young, parents and guardians should
pay more attention to these demands.

Supporting victims. The study found that male psychology students often feel
unsure of how to support victims of toxic masculinity. It is important to provide resources
and support services for victims of toxic masculinity, and to educate male psychology
students on how they can best support and advocate for those who have been impacted
by toxic masculinity. Schools and educational institutions should put more efforts in
encouraging their male students to visit a counsellor or therapist when they have
problems, need someone to talk to, or need help with their mental health.

Overall, these recommendations can help promote healthy, non-toxic forms of

masculinity among male psychology students and the wider community. By raising
awareness of the issue, encouraging critical reflection, promoting positive role models,
and supporting victims, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society
for all.
References

Meriam Webster. (2019). Masculinity. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masculinity

Flood, M. (2022, September 21). ‘Toxic masculinity’: what does it mean, where did it
come from – and is the term useful or harmful. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from
https://theconversation.com/toxic-masculinity-what-does-it-mean-where-did-it-come-
from-and-is-the-term-useful-or-harmful-189298

Anon. (n.d.). Meaning of Masculinities. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from

https://www.ndi.org/sites/default/files/ACFrOgAZ9X_S2Bl-
K9iPv3XhiQ140Fw6QWeUNSQwJwuNXzShO1b_Wv9-Vbsw1KX0rkmdxRZ-nlwzPhL-
WIQLh1agPgzn5s70jFg-
wYO0cIafAvyfqfNvFQQX_UYSZKGjzuPLlyl2J_UFqRjaCxNs.pdf

Morin, A. (2022, November 14). What Is Toxic Masculinity?

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-masculinity-5075107

CFI Team. (2023, April 23). Interpersonal Skills. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/interpersonal-skills/

Brockway, D. (2019, May 4). The damage caused by toxic masculinity | BBC Ideas.
Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kAqAFOHIxw

World Population Review. (2023). Suicide Rete by Country 2023. Retrieved April 22,
2023, from https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/suicide-rate-by-country

International Association for Suicide Prevention. (2021, August 24). Global Suicide
Statistics. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://www.iasp.info/references/

Vallie, S. (2022, November 11). Toxic Masculinity: How to Recognize and Treat It.
Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/what-is-toxic-
masculinity
Dekin, S. (2020, August 7). Men And Emotions: The Importance of Becoming
Vulnerable. Retrieved April 27, 2023, from https://sbtreatment.com/blog/men-and-
emotions-the-importance-of-becoming-vulnerable/

Luke. (2022, February 28). Toxic masculinity and mental health. Retrieved April 27,
2023, from https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/toxic-masculinity-and-
mental-health/

American Psychological Association, Boys and Men Guidelines Group. (2018). APA
guidelines for psychological practice with boys and men. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from
http://www.apa.org/about/policy/psychological-practice-boys-men-guidelines.pdf

Kortge, Z. (2021, September 29). Toxic Masculinity and the Shifting Landscape of What
It Means to Be a Man. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from
https://www.verywellmind.com/toxic-masculinity-what-it-means-to-be-a-man-5198810

Akerman, I. (2021, October 10). Mental Health Awareness: Boys Do Cry, and It’s OK.
Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://man.vogue.me/health/mental-health-awareness-
toxic-masculinity/

Choice House. (2023, May 03). Why toxic Masculinity Exponentially Affects Mens’
Health. Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://www.choicehousecolorado.com/why-toxic-
masculinity-exponentially-affects-mens-health-how-to-change-it/#:~:text=Be%20Open
%20With%20Others

Urban Balance. (2021, December 08). Toxic Masculinity: What Is It & What Can Men Do
To Eliminate it? Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://www.urbanbalance.com/toxic-
masculinity-what-is-it-what-can-men-do-to-eliminate-it/

Robinson, M. (2019). 10 Things Men Can Do To End Toxic Masculinity. Retrieved April
28, 2023, from https://thebookofman.com/mind/masculinity/10-things-to-end-toxic-
masculinity/