Clinical application of the gender role strain paradigm: Group treatment for adolescent boys

Abstract

The aim of this article is to demonstrate the clinical application of the gender role strain paradigm with a group of adolescent boys. Adolescent boys experience overwhelming pressure to adhere to gender norms. As they attempt to conform to the expectations associated with the male role, boys suffer from gender role strain. We illustrate how the protective environment of the group enables boys to engage and discuss problems with male role norms. The shift in the boys' adherence to traditional notions of masculinity supports the utility of the gender role strain paradigm in clinical work.