Stark, tyst och deprimerad? : En analys av hur könsnormer och maskulinitetsideal påverkar mäns psykiska ohälsa

This study explores how self reported depression among men in Sweden is related to gender norms, ideals of masculinity, and societal structures. Drawing on data from the European Social Survey (ESS) Round 6, the thesis applies a quantitative method and hierarchical linear regression to investigate how symptoms of depression, masculinity related values, coping strategies, and social expectations interact. Special attention is given to how men´s mental health is influenced by traditional masculine ideals, stigma, and barriers to emotional expression and help seeking. The results indicate gendered patterns in how depression is experienced and reported, and suggest that masculinity norms contribute to underreporting of psychological distress among men. The study highlights the importance of understanding gender as a social structure and calls for more gender sensitive approaches in public health and mental health care.