Stress levels decline as their wivesâ earnings approach 40 per cent of household income.
But as womenâs earnings go above that point, the study showed husbandsâ stress levels gradually increasing.
âThese findings suggest that social norms about male breadwinning â and traditional conventions about men earning more than their wives - can be dangerous for menâs health.
They also show how strong and persistent are gender identity norms,â said Dr Joanna Syrda, an economist at the Universityâs School of Management.
However, the results are strong enough to point to the persistence of gender identity norms, and to their part in male mental health issues.
Persistent distress can lead to many adverse health problems, including physical illness, and mental, emotional and social problems,â she said.
The study also showed a disparity in the way husbands and wives assessed their own psychological distress and that of their partner. »