Understanding the impact of testicular cancer and its treatment on masculinities and psychological distress

This thesis investigated how masculinities interact with the experience of testicular cancer (TC) in efforts to understand psychological distress experienced by men diagnosed with TC. Men who strictly conformed to traditional masculine norms were more likely to experience distress and be psychologically inflexible. Maintaining or reinstating physical competencies, including sexual functioning, fitness and fertility were important factors in masculine self-perception. Leveraging masculine strengths such as strength, control, and optimistic action may work towards preventing threatened masculine self-perception and psychological distress related to TC. Further research should continue into understanding masculine norms and how masculinities interact with the experience of TC.