Gender Discrepancy and Emotional Discomfort in University Males

Abstract

Introduction: It is written about the gender discrepancy in male university students and its repercussions on the development of emotional distress. Gender discrepancy arises when a person does not perceive themself according to the dominant gender parameters of their context, and in response, hyperstereotyping of their behavior and effects on their mental health may arise. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study with mixed methodology was carried out, using a questionnaire to measure the discrepancy and the stress it produces, and later, a semi-structured interview. The experiences of five university men who reported gender discrepancy were analyzed to obtain their perception of it, the associated emotional distress and other effects on their behavior. Results: The main results indicate that due to self-criticism and adverse comments about their masculinity, men experienced different feelings of discomfort, highlighting anger, sadness and fear. Discussion and conclusion: Gender discrepancy and the perception that men have of themselves leads them to reproduce risk behaviors of hegemonic masculinity; the feeling of not complying with these behaviors at the level of other men produces emotional distress.