Date of Conferral
4-25-2025
Date of Award
April 2025
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Human Services
Advisor
Dr. Greg Hickman
Abstract
The phenomenon of hegemonic masculinity presents a significant mental health concern among diverse emerging adult males. This generic qualitative study was an exploration of the perspectives of Asian and Pacific Islander emerging adult males regarding their descriptions of masculinity. Gender schema theory (GST) is the foundational framework of this study. Rooted in social cognitive theory, GST exemplifies how environmental factors shape the initial development of gender identity and the enduring effects this gendering has on cognitive processes throughout an individual's life. The primary research question in this study was: How do Asian and Pacific Islander emerging adult males describe masculinity? Guided questions during participant interviews highlight the participants’ views on the male stereotype in their culture; the best and worst male role models growing up; and how they describe what it is to be a man. A collection of data from four individuals residing in Maui, Hawaii, was gathered, uploaded to MAXQDA, and subjected to thematic content analysis. The results revealed that hegemonic masculine ideologies contribute to challenges in mental health and the formation of identity and self-concept within this demographic. This research contributes to positive social change, advances social transformation, and improves the social determinants of health across individual, community, organizational, and societal dimensions by providing additional knowledge beneficial in the field of mental health, to support diverse emerging adult males in their quest for fulfillment and self-exploration.
Recommended Citation
Wanderer, Eman'on, "Hegemonic Masculinity: Exploring How Asian and Pacific Islander Emerging Adult Males Describe Masculinity" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17650.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17650
