Traditional masculinity ideology and psychotherapy treatment outcome for military service veteran men.

Endorsement of traditional masculinity ideology has been indicated as a complicating factor in psychotherapeutic treatment engagement and process; however, little is known about how these findings extend to treatment outcome. This study sought to examine the impact of traditional masculinity ideology endorsement on treatment outcome in a sample (N = 178) of Canadian military veterans. Treatment outcome was measured according to changes in psychosocial functioning from pre- to posttreatment and at 3, 12, and 18 months posttreatment. Results indicated that higher endorsement of self-reliance was negatively associated with treatment outcome and that endorsement of toughness was associated with improved outcomes over time. This study suggests that treatment outcomes are differentially impacted by varying facets of traditional masculinity ideology. While certain facets (i.e., self-reliance) may impede treatment outcome, others (i.e., toughness) may support long-term treatment gains. Outcomes from this study may help clinicians develop more gender-sensitive interventions for military service veteran men and others who endorse traditional masculinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]