MYTH:
Society often teaches men that expressing emotions—especially sadness or vulnerability—is a sign of weakness.
Phrases like “Man up” or “Boys don’t cry” pressure men into emotional silence, reinforcing the false link between stoicism and strength.

FACT:
Suppressing emotions harms mental health. Research shows that rigid masculinity norms are linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide among men (Addis & Mabalik, 2003: Wong et al, 2017; APA Guidelines, 2018). Emotional openness, on the other hand, improves psychological well-being and fosters resilience.

WHAT THE LITERATURE SAYS:

• “50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology” (Lilienfeld et al, 2010) exposes common misconceptions; including the belief that emotional expression is unmanly.
• “The Psychology of Men and Masculinities” (Levant & Wong, 2018) highlights the mental health risks of emotional suppression.
• “The Gendered Society” (Kimmel, 2020) and “Boys Don’t Cry?” (Letendre & Robinson, 2022) explain how cultural narratives about masculinity create psychological barriers for men.
• Documentaries like “The Mask You Live In” (2015) show the real-life consequences of forcing boys and men to hide their emotions.
• APA Guidelines (2018) officially recommend breaking away from harmful gender myths to support healthier emotional development in men.