Subjects came from primarily middle class, Caucasian families. As boys mature, they feel increased pressure to conform to an aggressive dominant male stereotype which leads to low self-esteem and high incidence of depression. The study shows a significant correlation between those who agreed with traditional masculine propositions about sex and an increased incidence of depression. As boys grow older, they feel greater pressure to mask feelings of low self esteem. Although the boys in the study had normal range self-esteem scores, the number of false responses was dramatically high and increased with age.
Boys feel significant anxiety and sadness about growing up to be men.
They view manhood as filled with unrewarding work, isolation from friends and family, and unhappiness and disappointment. Despite appearing outwardly content, many boys feel deep feelings of loneliness and alienation. Social withdrawal followed by outreach for emotional connection. Boys initially will withdraw as a way to handle vulnerability, but then will re-emerge. Understanding this pattern of emotional behavior is a breakthrough in helping to explain the emotional and psychological needs of boys as well as identifying the moment for reconnection.