Masculinidade hegemônica, sofrimento psíquico e violência: uma revisão integrativa da literatura

Abstract

Studies on masculinities have gained prominence in recent decades due to the impacts of traditional models of masculinity on social relationships, men’s mental health, and the production of violence. Hegemonic masculinity, associated with virility, domination, rationality, and the denial of vulnerability, contributes to the maintenance of gender inequalities and to men’s psychological suffering. This study aimed to investigate how hegemonic masculinity patterns influence men’s psychological suffering and contribute to violent practices against women and dissident masculinities, as well as to analyze how these discussions have been addressed within Psychology. This is a qualitative study conducted through an integrative literature review. Searches were carried out in the databases Google Scholar, CAPES Journals, PePSIC, and SciELO, using the descriptors “masculinity,” “psychological suffering,” and “violence.” After applying the selection criteria, 27 articles were analyzed through thematic analysis. The results showed that masculinities are social and historical constructions organized hierarchically. The persistence of a hegemonic model characterized by emotional repression, compulsory heterosexuality, and the valorization of violence as a form of masculine validation was observed. In addition to reinforcing gender inequalities and violence, this model promotes psychological suffering, emotional isolation, self-neglect, and emotional difficulties among men themselves. It is concluded that hegemonic masculinity produces negative impacts both on social relationships and on male subjectivity, highlighting the need to promote more plural, healthy, and less violent ways of experiencing masculinity.