These core requirements of male identity (Brannon, 1985) can contribute to lack of help-seeking behaviors among men across the lifespan, including those who become suicidal because they can no longer manage life’s burdens on their own.
NO SISSY STUFF
The stigma of all stereotyped feminine qualities including openness and vulnerability. Never ever resemble women or display strongly stereotyped feminine characteristics for fear of being a sissy.
THE BIG WHEEL
Success, status and the need to be looked up to for what one can do or has achieved. Attained through wealth and fame, in excelling at sports, and being competent and knowledgeable.
THE STURDY OAK
A manly air of toughness, confidence and self-reliance. Real men ready to die, refusing to retreat at any cost. Think of Paul Newman in Cool Hand Luke or John Wayne in True Grit, all lacking social status but excelling at being The Sturdy Oak.
GIVE ’EM HELL!
The aura of aggression, violence and daring. The negative side of The Sturdy Oak. The need to hurt, conquer, embarrass, humble, outwit, punish, defeat. Think the aggressive ballplayer, aggressive businessman, aggressive thinker, with this aggression sometimes leading to violence.