Positive Psychology – Positive Masculinity: Towards a Positive Vision of Masculinity Empirically Validated

Abstract

Positive Psychology — Positive Masculinity (PPPM) is a current emerged in the early 21th century within the field of Positive Psychology with the aim of highlighting the positive aspects of masculinity. To this end, it analyzed empirical psychological and sociological studies, identifying eleven characteristics of masculinity that contribute to the flourishing of both the individual and others, and which are found in men across most ages and cultures. These characteristics are: 1) a relational style characterized by shared, instrumental, and action-oriented activities; 2) a tendency to take care for others; 3) generative fatherhood; 4) self-reliance; 5) the ‘workerprovider’ tradition; 6) respect for women; 7) daring, courage, and risk-taking; 8) group orientation; 9) service to the community; 10) use of humor; and 11) heroism. In this article, we will examine the main tenets of the PPPM, highlighting its limitations and merits, and emphasizing points of convergence with a Christian-based anthropology.