Beyond the Label: What a Recent Study Reveals About Toxic Masculinity and Relationships
“Toxic masculinity” is everywhere. From social media hashtags to dinner party debates, it has become one of the most frequent labels used to describe male behavior in modern culture. We can all probably conjure an image of what a "typically toxic" man looks like—but how common is this trait, really?
Recent research (Cone, Lilly, Sibley, & Osborne, 2026) sought to answer this question by studying 15,000 heterosexual men. They analyzed eight key factors, including narcissism, sexual prejudice, and hostility toward domestic violence prevention.
The Data Might Surprise You
The findings offer a perspective that shifts the narrative from "men are the problem" to "how can we help the few who struggle?"
The 11%: Only about 11% of men surveyed showed high scores across the "toxic" indicators.
The "Atoxics": Over 35% scored very low across all categories, showing high levels of empathy and egalitarian views.
The Middle Ground: Nearly 54% fell into the low-to-moderate range.
The Bottom Line: The overwhelming majority of men are not "toxically masculine."
Why Does it Feel So Prevalent?
If only 11% of men fall into this category, why does the term dominate our cultural conversation? As a therapist, I look at this through the lens of Attachment Theory. Often, those who display these "toxic" traits are the ones seeking the most attention—not because they are inherently "bad," but because they are operating from a place of unmet attachment needs. When a man lacks the tools to express vulnerability or seek connection safely, it often manifests as the defensive, aggressive, or dismissive behaviors we label as toxic.
Healing the Connection
Whether you are a man feeling pressured by these cultural labels or someone in a relationship with a partner who struggles to connect, there is a path forward. We don't need more labels; we need more tools for healthy attachment.
In my practice, I help individuals and couples move past labels to address the underlying emotional needs that drive behavior.
This blog post was written by Dr. Barek Sharif, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with high-achieving individuals and couples. To schedule an appointment please visit our Contact Us page.
Hill Cone, D., Lilly, K. J., Sibley, C. G., & Osborne, D. (2026). Are men toxic? A person-centered investigation into the prevalence of different types of masculinity in a large sample of New Zealand men. Psychology of Men & Masculinities, 27(1), 106–123.
