Psychologists have developed a new method to quantify so-called 'toxic masculinity', revealing it is a trait exhibited by only a small, distinct subset of men. The research, drawing on data from around 15,000 heterosexual men in New Zealand, successfully narrows down the definition of problematic male behaviour and separates it from more constructive forms of masculinity.
Five Distinct Profiles of Masculinity Identified
The team analysed responses from the long-running New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study. Participants answered questions tied to eight key indicators of 'problematic masculinity', including disagreeableness, narcissism, and sexual prejudice. The survey also measured both hostile sexism—overtly negative attitudes towards women—and benevolent sexism, which encompasses seemingly positive but restrictive and stereotypical views.
Using advanced statistical tools, the researchers identified five distinct profiles of masculinity among the respondents. The largest group, comprising about 35% of men, scored low on all toxic traits. Two other large groups, totalling approximately 53% of participants, received low-to-moderate scores. These men, collectively labelled 'atoxics', showed a general absence of the problematic attitudes measured.
The 'Toxic' Subgroups: Benevolent and Hostile
Around seven per cent of respondents fell into a category dubbed 'benevolent toxic'. These individuals displayed moderate levels of disagreeableness, narcissism, and opposition to domestic violence prevention. Their toxicity was characterised by those seemingly positive but ultimately restrictive views of women, coupled with elevated sexual prejudice.
The smallest, yet most pronounced, category contained just about three per cent of participants. Labelled 'hostile toxic', this group scored the highest on disagreeableness, hostile sexism, opposition to domestic violence prevention, narcissism, and social dominance orientation. Researchers state that this profile aligns most closely with the commonly understood definition of 'toxic masculinity'.
Implications for Understanding Male Identity
The findings, published on Tuesday 20 January 2026, underscore a critical point: 'toxic masculinity' is not a universal male characteristic but a specific pattern present in a minority. "We thus demonstrate the need to separate problematic masculinity from other constructive forms of masculinity," the study authors emphasised.
They concluded that "only a small proportion of men displayed traditional forms of toxic masculinity" and affirmed that "men can be 'manly' without being toxic". The research illustrates a significant diversity in masculine identities. The team argues that interventions designed to address destructive male attitudes must be carefully tailored to counteract these distinct forms of toxicity, rather than applying a broad brush.
