Perceptions of parent-child relationships and masculine role conflicts of college men

This study explored relations between young men's masculine role conflicts and perceptions of relationships with their parents. Data on gender role conflict, masculine role stress, parental attachment, and conflict with parents were collected from 195 undergraduate men at 2 state universities. Consistent with contemporary theoretical literature, results of a canonical correlation analysis suggested that, in general, men's perceptions of more secure, positive, and conflict-free relationships with both fathers and mothers were related to a lesser degree of masculine role conflicts and stresses. Conversely, in 1 variate pair, perceptions of more secure, positive, and conflict-free relationships with parents, especially with mothers, were linked to more masculine role concern regarding success and performance.