Examining the Role of Self-compassion, Psychological Flexibility and Gender Role Perception among Males

Description

Page: 52-54

Richa Verma, Sheema Aleem, and Nabia Mujeeb (Department of Psychology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi)

This study explores the relationship between self-compassion, psychological flexibility, and gender role perception among males, aiming to understand how these psychological constructs interact and influence each other in the context of mental health and well-being. Traditional gender role expectations often place significant pressure on men to embody traits such as emotional forbearance, strength, and dominance, leading to gender role stress and negative psychological outcomes. The study aims to provide insights into how promoting self-compassion and psychological flexibility could help males navigate societal expectations and improve mental health. The study involved male participants aged 18-30 years who completed self-report questionnaires measuring self-compassion, psychological flexibility, and gender role perception. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to analyse relationships among the variables. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between self-compassion and psychological flexibility (r = 0.45, p < 0.01), both of which were negatively associated with traditional gender role perceptions. These findings highlight the protective role of self-compassion and psychological flexibility and the importance of challenging restrictive gender norms.