The following research aims to understand men's experiences of the fear of the feminine (FOF). Findings show that men experience multiple fears related to FOF in connection to their masculine gender roles. These fears included ones regarding: relationships, health, life and death, their place in society on the whole and issues of power within a perceived male hierarchy. The men interviewed express perceived differences between masculine and feminine gender roles. The research results imply that FOF maybe conceptualized as a censor, preventing men from infringing on prescribed gender boundaries. In addition, FOF may also be the impetus for using psychological defenses to distance from thoughts and behaviors perceived as not masculine. Implications for counseling and psychotherapy with male clients are discussed.
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