The APA is advising psychologists on recognizing masculinity ideology when working with men and boys. (Getty Images)

The American Psychological Association has zeroed in on the ideology of masculinity, suggesting that parents and psychologists should think twice before instilling elements of "traditional masculinity" in men and boys.

Traditional masculinity ideology – which the APA says includes elements of "anti-femininity, achievement, eschewal of the appearance of weakness, and adventure, risk, and violence" – can be psychologically harmful to men and boys, the association noted in its 36-page "APA Guidelines for the Psychological Practice with Boys and Men" that's highlighted in the latest issue of its Monitor on Psychology magazine.

"Socialization for conforming to traditional masculinity ideology has been shown to limit males' psychological development, constrain their behavior, result in gender role strain and gender role conflict, and negatively influence mental health and physical health," the association warned.

It's the first time in its 127-year history that the APA has issued guidelines to help psychologists specifically address issues with men and boys. The APA previously released a number of guidelines for working with different patient populations, including guidance for working with girls and women in 2007 and guidelines for working with LGBT clients, older adults and racial and ethnic minorities.

The latest guidelines linked "constricted notions of masculinity" to aggression, homophobia and misogyny, saying such notions "may influence boys to direct a great deal of their energy into disruptive behaviors such as bullying, homosexual taunting, and sexual harassment rather than healthy academic and extracurricular activities."

Furthering that point, the association noted a number of somber research findings, including that men are four times more likely than women to die of suicide worldwide, are "far more likely" than women to be arrested and charged with intimate partner violence in the U.S. and commit about 90 percent of all homicides nationwide.

The guidance urged practicing psychologists to recognize and question their own biases, heterosexist assumptions and values when working with male patients.