The results of the project, led by Dr. Adem Kantar, a faculty member of the Psychology
Department at Erzurum Technical University (ETU), and supported by the TÜBİTAK 1002-A
Rapid Support Program, were shared.
In the study titled "Adaptation of the Positive Masculinity Model to Turkish Culture and Its
Effect on Reducing Aggressive Behaviors in Young Men", conducted under the supervision of
Prof. Dr. İlhan Yalçın from Ankara University and with the contributions of Prof. Dr. Metin
Pişkin and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özlem Haskan Avcı, the Positive Masculinity Model developed by
Prof. Mark S. Kiselica from Penn State University, USA, was adapted to Turkish culture and
conducted with 2037 participants from different cities of Türkiye.
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Adem Kantar said: "International Men's Day, celebrated
every year on November 19th, is significant as a global day that aims to raise awareness in
areas such as men's mental health, social equality, and the promotion of positive role
models. Sharing the results of a TÜBİTAK-supported study conducted at our university with
the public on this significant date is of particular importance to us. Positive masculine roles
in young men strengthen psychological well-being and significantly reduce aggressive
behavior. We see that an understanding of masculinity that allows for emotional expression,
empathy, and cooperation weakens the patterns that foster bullying. This approach can
make significant contributions to preventing peer bullying, especially in school
environments, and to the development of healthier social relationships among young
people."
Dr. Kantar also emphasized that the project's positive masculinity approach not only serves
as a protective force at the individual level, but also provides a scientific basis for creating
more inclusive, equitable, and supportive relationships in educational institutions. He also
stated that the data obtained provide significant opportunities for developing holistic
intervention programs to support the mental health of young people.
Corporate Communications and Promotion Directorate November 19,2025
