The study, conducted by the Jesuit Social Services and supported by state agency Respect Victoria, surveyed 3500 Australian men aged 18 to 45 on their perceptions of and belief in rigid masculine norms.

It found a quarter agreed what it calls the "Man Box" rules, which include notions that men should be tough, not show emotion, be the breadwinner, be in control, use violence to get respect and have numerous sexual partners.

When compared with the men who least strongly disagreed with the 19 rules, the men who strongly agreed were:

* 31 times more likely to believe domestic violence should be handled privately

* 17 times more likely to have hit their partner

* Nine times more likely to blame a woman for making a man hit her

* Eight times more likely have thoughts of suicide nearly every day

* Six times more likely to have forced a partner to do something sexual that is degrading or humiliating

* Six times more likely to exhibit signs of problem gambling

* Twice as likely to binge drink

The alarming data sheds new light on the negative impacts of believing in outdated ideas of masculinity, Jesuit Social Services executive director of community and systems impact Matt Tyler said.

"These Man Box pressures tell men to be tough, fight back, never say no to sex and avoid household chores. They box men in and limit their potential," Mr Tyler said.

"Our research finds that when men believe these rules, the results can be devastating for people in their lives, particularly women, as well as for men themselves."

While researchers acknowledge more support is needed for men to challenge these attitudes, report contributor Michael Flood said there is reason for hope.

"Most Australian men don't believe these harmful Man Box rules," Professor Flood said.

"The pressure men feel to conform to Man Box rules has lessened over the past five years and there is diversity within boys' and men's views.

"We now need to build on this momentum, and support men to express positive forms of masculinity, reduce risky behaviours, and build lives free from violence."

The report recommends policy change, building workforce capacity, raising community awareness and future research.

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Australian Associated Press