Toxic Masculinity Test: Measure and Address Harmful Traits
Toxic masculinity tests measure adherence to harmful masculine norms like emotional suppression, dominance, and aggression. These assessments help identify problematic attitudes and behaviors that negatively impact mental health and relationships.
What is Toxic Masculinity?
Toxic masculinity refers to cultural norms and societal expectations that promote a narrow and harmful definition of manhood. These expectations often include behaviors such as dominance, aggression, emotional suppression, and the rejection of anything perceived as feminine. The concept has gained significant attention in psychological and sociological studies, as researchers examine how these restrictive norms affect both individual men and society as a whole.
Definition and Cultural Context
Toxic masculinity encompasses traditional masculine traits that become harmful when taken to extremes or enforced rigidly. It doesn’t suggest that masculinity itself is toxic, but rather that certain expressions of masculinity can lead to negative outcomes. These harmful norms include the pressure to appear strong at all times, to solve problems independently without seeking help, to dominate in relationships, and to avoid showing vulnerability.
The cultural context of toxic masculinity varies across societies, but many cultures share similar expectations of men to be stoic, aggressive, and emotionally detached. These expectations form early in childhood development, with boys often receiving messages that they should suppress emotions like sadness or fear while expressing anger more freely. The phrase “be a man” often carries implicit instructions to hide vulnerability and project strength regardless of circumstances.
Traditional masculinity, at times, pressures men to conform to these standards, potentially leading to mental health issues and negative social impacts. It encompasses attitudes such as male chauvinism, a sense of entitlement, and the devaluation of feminine traits in men, contributing to a wide range of societal problems, including gender inequality and violence.
Historical Evolution of Masculine Norms
The concept of toxic masculinity emerged from feminist theory and modern social discussions, highlighting the harmful aspects of traditional masculinity norms. Throughout history, masculine ideals have evolved alongside changing social structures, economic systems, and cultural values. In many societies, masculine identity became strongly tied to the role of provider and protector, with physical strength and emotional stoicism valued as essential traits.
During the 20th century, particularly following the women’s rights movement and shifting gender roles in the workplace and home, traditional notions of masculinity faced increasing scrutiny. Researchers began to document the negative impacts of rigid gender roles on men’s psychological health and social relationships. This research led to the identification of toxic masculinity as a specific pattern of beliefs and behaviors that cause harm to men themselves and those around them.
The term gained broader public awareness in recent decades, with mental health professionals and gender studies scholars examining how these societal expectations negatively impact both men’s mental health and broader social dynamics. Modern discussions aim to distinguish between healthy masculine traits and harmful ones, recognizing that many traditional masculine values can be expressed in ways that don’t cause harm.
Distinguishing Healthy from Toxic Masculinity
It’s crucial to understand that toxic masculinity is not an indictment of masculinity as a whole. Healthy masculinity incorporates many traditional masculine values like strength, protection, and leadership, but expresses them without domination, aggression, or emotional suppression. The key difference lies in how these traits manifest and their impact on oneself and others.
Healthy masculinity allows men to express a full range of human emotions, form deep connections with others, and contribute positively to their communities without feeling constrained by rigid gender expectations. It embraces traits traditionally considered masculine while rejecting the harmful aspects that limit men’s full humanity.
Modern conversations around toxic masculinity seek to dismantle the idea that masculinity must be linked to dominance or aggression. Instead, they promote healthy masculinity, characterized by emotional intelligence, empathy, and respect for all genders. By addressing and challenging the harmful norms associated with toxic masculinity, society can create space for men to develop more authentic and fulfilling identities.
Key Components of Toxic Masculinity Tests
Toxic masculinity tests have been developed to measure adherence to harmful masculine norms. These assessments evaluate various aspects of beliefs and behaviors that reflect potentially problematic attitudes toward masculinity. Understanding these components helps clarify what these tests measure and why these factors matter for psychological and social well-being.
Emotional Suppression and Vulnerability
A central component of toxic masculinity tests examines attitudes toward emotional expression and vulnerability. Questions in these assessments often probe beliefs about whether men should hide emotions, avoid crying, or suppress feelings of sadness, fear, or uncertainty. For example, statements like “I feel pressured to hide my emotions to appear strong” or “I believe showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness” measure the degree to which respondents adhere to norms of emotional suppression.
This aspect of toxic masculinity can be particularly damaging to mental health. Research shows that emotional suppression is linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Men who feel unable to express vulnerability often struggle with intimate relationships and may experience isolation. The suppression of emotions doesn’t eliminate feelings but rather bottles them up, potentially leading to more significant psychological distress over time.
Many toxic masculinity tests evaluate how respondents view seeking help or discussing problems with others. Questions might assess whether a person believes men should solve problems independently without support, reflecting the harmful norm that self-reliance means never asking for assistance. This belief system contributes to lower rates of help-seeking behavior among men, particularly for mental health concerns.
Dominance and Control
Another key component measured in toxic masculinity tests is the drive for dominance and control. Tests often include items that assess beliefs about male authority, power over women, and competitive dominance over other men. These questions examine attitudes about whether men should be the primary decision-makers in relationships, have the final say in family matters, or establish dominance in social settings.
The drive to dominate relates to what researchers call “masculine honor,” where men feel compelled to defend their masculinity from perceived threats. This defensive posture can manifest in aggressive responses to challenges, including physical confrontations or hostile arguments. Online, this trait may appear as antagonistic commenting behaviors or aggressive reactions to differing viewpoints.
Tests may also evaluate attitudes about physical aggression as a legitimate means of resolving conflicts or establishing social position. Questions might assess whether respondents believe that fighting is sometimes necessary to prove masculinity or whether aggression is a natural male trait that should be embraced rather than controlled. These beliefs correlate with higher rates of violent behavior and interpersonal conflicts.
Heterosexual Self-Presentation
Heterosexual self-presentation forms another significant component of toxic masculinity tests. This aspect examines how strongly men feel the need to publicly affirm their heterosexuality and distance themselves from behaviors or traits associated with homosexuality or femininity. Questions might assess discomfort with men displaying traditionally feminine traits or engaging in activities stereotypically associated with women.
This component reflects homophobic attitudes and the rejection of perceived femininity as “weak” or inappropriate for men. Men scoring high on this dimension often feel compelled to engage in behaviors that prove their heterosexuality, sometimes through the oversexualization of women or derogatory comments about individuals perceived to be homosexual.
The heteronormativity measured in these tests relates to oppressive, stigmatizing, and marginalizing beliefs about gender and sexuality. Research indicates that men who strongly adhere to these norms often experience anxiety about whether they are projecting sufficient masculinity, leading to compensatory behaviors that can damage their relationships and limit their authentic self-expression.
Rejection of Femininity
Closely related to heterosexual self-presentation is the explicit rejection of traits, behaviors, or activities associated with femininity. Toxic masculinity tests often include questions about attitudes toward men engaging in traditionally feminine activities like childcare, household chores, or professions dominated by women. Items might assess beliefs about whether men should avoid certain activities to maintain their masculine identity.
This component examines how rigidly a person maintains boundaries between “masculine” and “feminine” behaviors, with higher scores indicating more restrictive views about appropriate male behavior. Men who strongly reject femininity often limit their participation in nurturing activities, emotional connection, and certain forms of self-care that they perceive as insufficiently masculine.
The rejection of femininity can lead to practical limitations in daily life, including reduced participation in childcare, household management, and relationship maintenance. It can also prevent men from developing skills in emotional intelligence, empathy, and interpersonal communication that contribute to well-being across multiple domains of life.
The Psychological Framework Behind Toxic Masculinity Tests
Toxic masculinity tests are grounded in psychological research and draw from established personality assessment frameworks. Understanding the psychological models that inform these tests helps clarify how they measure potentially harmful attitudes and behaviors related to masculinity.
HEXACO Personality Inventory Measures
Many toxic masculinity assessments incorporate elements from the HEXACO Personality Inventory, a comprehensive tool for measuring six major dimensions of personality. In particular, the Honesty-Humility dimension has proven valuable for identifying traits associated with toxic masculinity. Low scores on Honesty-Humility indicate tendencies toward arrogance, entitlement, and manipulative behavior—traits often linked to problematic masculine norms.
People who score low on Honesty-Humility tend to feel entitled to special treatment, exploit others for personal gain, and break rules when convenient. Research has found that this personality factor strongly predicts behaviors like sexual harassment, with low scorers much more likely to engage in inappropriate sexual behaviors. In toxic masculinity tests, questions assessing entitlement and willingness to break rules for personal advancement often derive from this personality dimension.
The HEXACO framework provides a validated psychological foundation for measuring these traits, allowing toxic masculinity tests to connect to broader personality research. By incorporating these established measures, tests can identify patterns of behavior that extend beyond simple adherence to gender norms and reflect deeper personality tendencies that contribute to harmful expressions of masculinity.
Trait Anger and Agreeableness
Another significant psychological framework incorporated into toxic masculinity tests involves measures of trait anger and agreeableness. Trait anger represents a dispositional tendency toward experiencing frequent anger, often accompanied by related negative emotions like resentment, envy, and disgust. In the HEXACO model, this is measured through the Agreeableness dimension, with low scores indicating higher levels of anger, irritability, and a tendency toward conflict.
Toxic masculinity tests often include questions that assess how quickly respondents become angry, how they express anger, and whether they view anger as an appropriate emotional response in various situations. Research has shown that men with high trait anger and low agreeableness tend to display more domineering behaviors, particularly when they also experience anxiety about their social status or masculinity.
The combination of high trait anger and low agreeableness creates what some researchers call “petty tyranny”—a pattern of domineering, critical, and belittling behavior toward others, especially in positions of authority. This pattern relates strongly to toxic expressions of masculinity, where anger becomes a primary means of establishing dominance and control in relationships and social settings.
Deceitfulness-Arrogance Indicators
Toxic masculinity tests also measure what some researchers call the Deceitfulness-Arrogance dimension, which assesses a person’s willingness to bend rules for personal gain and maintain a sense of superiority over others. People scoring high on this dimension often engage in flattery and insincere displays of friendliness to achieve their goals, feel compelled to seek luxury and prestige, and believe they deserve special status or privileges.
This dimension relates to aspects of the Dark Triad personality traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—which have been linked to problematic interpersonal behaviors, particularly in men adhering to traditional masculine norms. Questions in toxic masculinity tests may assess attitudes about deserving special treatment, willingness to use manipulation to achieve goals, and beliefs about superiority over others.
The Deceitfulness-Arrogance indicators help identify individuals who may use harmful masculine behaviors to maintain a sense of status and power. These traits correlate with tendencies to view relationships as competitive rather than collaborative and to prioritize personal advancement over group wellbeing. In toxic masculinity tests, high scores on these measures suggest a pattern of masculine expression that emphasizes dominance and status at the expense of authentic connection and mutual respect.
Impact of Toxic Masculinity on Mental Health
Research consistently shows strong connections between adherence to toxic masculine norms and negative mental health outcomes. Understanding these relationships helps clarify why measuring and addressing toxic masculinity matters for individual and public health.
Gender Role Strain Theory
Gender role strain theory, developed by Joseph Pleck in 1981, provides a framework for understanding how rigid gender expectations negatively impact psychological well-being. According to this theory, men experience psychological distress when they cannot live up to internalized standards of masculinity or when those standards conflict with other aspects of their lives and values.
This theory identifies three types of strain: discrepancy strain (failing to meet masculine standards), dysfunction strain (meeting standards that have inherently negative consequences), and trauma strain (experiencing harm during the process of male socialization). Toxic masculinity tests often measure beliefs and behaviors associated with all three forms of strain, identifying patterns that contribute to psychological distress.
The pressure to conform to restrictive norms of masculinity creates ongoing stress for many men, particularly when these norms conflict with their authentic feelings, desires, or needs. This chronic stress contributes to various mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Gender role strain theory helps explain why adherence to toxic masculine norms predicts poorer mental health outcomes even when those norms are voluntarily embraced.
Association with Depression and Anxiety
Multiple studies have documented strong associations between adherence to toxic masculine norms and increased rates of depression and anxiety. Specifically, beliefs about emotional suppression, self-reliance, and the rejection of help-seeking strongly predict depressive symptoms in men. These correlations appear across age groups, from adolescents to older adults, suggesting persistent negative effects throughout the lifespan.
The relationship between toxic masculinity and depression operates through several mechanisms. First, emotional suppression prevents healthy processing of negative emotions, allowing them to intensify over time. Second, norms of self-reliance and strength discourage men from acknowledging psychological distress, leading to delayed recognition of depressive symptoms. Third, the emphasis on maintaining control conflicts with the experience of depression, creating additional stress as men struggle to conceal their symptoms.
Anxiety similarly correlates with toxic masculine norms, particularly those related to performance demands and fear of appearing weak. Men adhering strongly to these norms often experience intense anxiety about failing to meet expectations of strength, success, and sexual prowess. However, the same norms that create this anxiety also prevent men from acknowledging or addressing their anxious feelings, creating a cycle of increasing psychological distress without adequate coping mechanisms.
Barriers to Help-Seeking Behaviors
One of the most concerning impacts of toxic masculinity involves barriers to help-seeking behaviors, particularly for mental health concerns. Research consistently shows that men who strongly adhere to traditional masculine norms are significantly less likely to seek professional help for psychological problems, even when experiencing severe distress.
These barriers operate through several mechanisms. First, beliefs about self-reliance frame help-seeking as a form of weakness or failure, creating shame around the need for assistance. Second, emotional suppression norms make it difficult for men to recognize and articulate their emotional needs, limiting their ability to seek appropriate help. Third, concerns about stigma and judgment from others discourage men from acknowledging mental health challenges publicly.
The reluctance to seek help extends beyond formal mental health services to informal support networks as well. Men adhering to toxic masculine norms often struggle to confide in friends or family members about emotional concerns, further limiting their access to social support during difficult times. This isolation compounds mental health problems, creating a dangerous cycle where psychological distress increases while access to support decreases.
Taking and Interpreting Toxic Masculinity Tests
For those interested in assessing their own relationship with masculine norms, various toxic masculinity tests are available online and through mental health professionals. Understanding how these tests work and how to interpret results can provide valuable insights for personal growth and relationship development.
Common Test Questions and Scales
Toxic masculinity tests typically present a series of statements and ask respondents to indicate their level of agreement on a numerical scale. These scales often range from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree) or may use frequency measures from 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). Questions address various aspects of masculine norms, including emotional expression, attitudes toward gender roles, comfort with vulnerability, and beliefs about dominance and control.
Common question topics include: feelings about showing emotions, beliefs about men’s roles in families and relationships, attitudes toward seeking help or advice, comfort with physical affection between men, beliefs about using aggression to resolve conflicts, views on appropriate activities for men versus women, and attitudes toward homosexuality and gender non-conformity.
Most tests measure multiple dimensions of toxic masculinity rather than producing a single score. This multidimensional approach recognizes that individuals may adhere strongly to some harmful norms while rejecting others. Common dimensions include emotional detachment, dominance orientation, heteronormativity, rejection of femininity, and self-sufficiency. By measuring these dimensions separately, tests provide more nuanced insights into specific areas where harmful beliefs might be present.
Understanding Your Score
When interpreting toxic masculinity test results, it’s important to approach scores with openness and self-compassion rather than judgment. High scores on certain dimensions don’t indicate moral failure but rather highlight areas where cultural messaging has shaped attitudes in potentially harmful ways. These scores offer opportunities for reflection and growth rather than reasons for shame or self-criticism.
Most tests provide percentile rankings that compare individual scores to broader population averages. For example, results might indicate that someone scores “12.77% more prone to deceitfulness and arrogance than the average person” or “10.43% less heteronormative than the average person.” These comparative measures help contextualize results within broader social norms.
When reviewing scores, look for patterns across different dimensions rather than focusing on a single score. Notice which areas show the strongest adherence to toxic norms and consider how these patterns might affect various aspects of life, including relationships, work interactions, emotional well-being, and physical health. The most valuable insights often come from recognizing connections between test results and real-life experiences or challenges.
Next Steps After Identifying Toxic Traits
Identifying aspects of toxic masculinity through testing represents just the first step in a broader process of personal growth. For those who discover concerning patterns in their test results, several constructive next steps can help address these issues and develop healthier approaches to masculinity.
Education forms a crucial part of addressing toxic masculine traits. Learning about the origins of gender norms, their cultural variations, and their psychological impacts helps contextualize personal experiences within broader social patterns. Reading books, articles, and research on healthy masculinity can provide alternative models and frameworks for expressing masculine identity in positive ways.
Therapy or counseling offers valuable support for addressing deeply ingrained beliefs about masculinity. Mental health professionals can help identify how toxic masculine norms contribute to specific life challenges and develop strategies for embracing more flexible, authentic expressions of gender. Group therapy specifically focused on masculinity issues provides opportunities to learn from others’ experiences and practice new ways of relating.
Practical steps for daily life include practicing emotional awareness and expression, building vulnerability in close relationships, examining competitive impulses in social interactions, and consciously choosing which masculine traits to embrace or reject. Small changes in language, behavior, and attitude can gradually shift entrenched patterns toward healthier expressions of masculinity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are toxic masculinity tests?
Toxic masculinity tests vary in their scientific validation and reliability. The most accurate tests are those developed through rigorous psychological research, with questions tested across diverse populations and validated against other established measures of personality and behavior. Tests based on the HEXACO Personality Inventory or similar established frameworks tend to offer greater accuracy than informal online quizzes.
However, all self-report measures face limitations, including social desirability bias (the tendency to answer questions in ways perceived as socially acceptable) and limited self-awareness. Some individuals may not accurately recognize their own attitudes or behaviors, particularly regarding topics as personally and culturally charged as gender norms. Despite these limitations, well-designed tests can provide valuable insights when approached with openness and critical thinking.
For maximum accuracy, consider taking multiple tests from different sources and looking for consistent patterns across results. Also, supplement test results with feedback from trusted friends or family members about observed behaviors related to masculine norms. This combined approach offers a more comprehensive picture than any single test can provide.
Can women take toxic masculinity tests?
Yes, women can take toxic masculinity tests, and doing so may provide valuable insights for several reasons. First, women, like men, absorb cultural messages about appropriate masculine behavior and may internalize beliefs about male emotional suppression, dominance, or rejection of femininity. Understanding these internalized beliefs helps women recognize how they might unintentionally reinforce toxic masculine norms in relationships with men.
Second, some aspects of toxic masculinity can manifest in anyone regardless of gender, including emotional suppression, excessive competitiveness, or reluctance to seek help. Women who score high on these dimensions may benefit from examining how these traits affect their well-being and relationships, even though the cultural context differs from men’s experiences.
When women take these tests, they should interpret results with awareness of gender differences in socialization and expectations. Some questions may need contextual reframing to apply meaningfully to women’s experiences. Despite these adaptations, the core insights about harmful norms and their impacts remain relevant across gender identities.
How can toxic masculinity tests be used in therapy?
Mental health professionals increasingly incorporate toxic masculinity tests into therapeutic work, particularly when addressing issues related to anger management, relationship difficulties, or depression in male clients. These assessments help identify specific beliefs or behaviors that contribute to psychological distress or interpersonal problems, allowing for more targeted interventions.
In therapy, test results provide a starting point for deeper conversations about the origins of harmful beliefs, their impacts on daily life, and alternative approaches that better serve the client’s well-being. Therapists might use motivational interviewing techniques to explore ambivalence about changing deeply held beliefs about masculinity, helping clients weigh the costs and benefits of different approaches to gender expression.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) offers effective strategies for addressing toxic masculine beliefs by identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns. For example, a therapist might help a client examine the belief that “real men never ask for help” by exploring its origins, testing its accuracy, and developing more flexible alternatives. Group therapy specifically focused on masculinity issues provides opportunities to practice new behaviors in a supportive environment while receiving feedback from peers.
Can toxic masculinity be changed or improved?
Research consistently shows that toxic masculine traits can be modified through education, therapy, and conscious practice. While some personality dimensions have genetic components, beliefs about gender and appropriate behavior are largely learned through socialization and can be unlearned or replaced with healthier alternatives. This process requires commitment and practice but offers significant benefits for mental health and relationships.
Programs specifically designed to promote healthy masculinity have shown promising results in reducing adherence to toxic norms. These interventions typically combine education about the harms of restrictive gender roles with opportunities to practice emotional awareness, vulnerable communication, and non-dominant relationship skills. Both individual and group formats have demonstrated effectiveness, with group approaches offering additional benefits through peer modeling and support.
Change often begins with increased awareness of how toxic masculine norms operate in daily life. Simply recognizing when emotions are being suppressed, when competition overshadows cooperation, or when fear of appearing weak drives decision-making creates opportunities to choose different responses. Over time, these small choices build new patterns of thinking and behaving that reflect more authentic and flexible expressions of masculinity.
Nieku Manshadi Pediatric Dentist
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
