Masculinidades e saúde mental no Brasil: Impactos da masculinidade hegemônica e possibilidades de ressignificação

Abstract

This Undergraduate Thesis aimed to analyze how the sociocultural construction of masculinity in Brazil influences men’s mental health. Designed as a narrative literature review with a qualitative and exploratory approach, the study consulted databases such as SciELO, PePSIC, PubMed, and institutional documents. Hegemonic masculinity is understood as an idealized and socially valued standard that legitimizes gender hierarchies, grounded in notions of strength, rationality, self-sufficiency, and emotional restraint. The findings show that pressures for invulnerability, denial of vulnerability, and emotional repression contribute to significant psychological distress, affective isolation, and engagement in risky behaviors. Data indicate that men live, on average, seven years less than women, present suicide rates of 12.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, and exhibit youth mortality from external causes (homicides, accidents) 4.1 times higher than that of women. Men's demand for mental health services remains low, only 31.3% of CAPS users, due to fear of judgment, stigma, and cultural barriers. Nonetheless, evidence of the re-signification of masculinities was identified, expressed through greater openness to dialogue, increased psychological help-seeking, and participation in care spaces. The study concludes that gender-sensitive public policies that recognize the plurality of masculinities are essential for promoting equity and preventing men's mental health deterioration.