A little bit of theory...

 

This illustration shows the general model of psychological defense followingthreat to self-representation (adapted from Cramer 1998).

People are generally motivated to protect the perceived integrity and worth of self. Theelusive social nature of masculinity and the need to constantly maintain and uphold it canlead to defensive reactions if masculinity is called into question (left box). This process hinges on the motivation to maintaining the coherence of theindividual’s self-representation (centrally located box), which is the image that a person "has of him or herselfbased on his or her own interpretations." As Cramer notes, when threats to an important part of the self occur, defense mechanisms increase (right box) in order to protect the individual from anxiety and negative emotions (lower box) and to preserve the balance of the self-representation.

In the case I am studying, meat consumption is a form of identification with masculinity that psychologically defends against the negative effects (anxiety) of the initial threat.

The defense mechanism of identification is defined as "emulation of characteristics, qualities, or attitudes, regulation of motives or behavior, and self-esteem through affiliation."

In other words, devouring a bloody steak by emulating macho-associated behavior has the symbolic power to dispel doubts about masculinity.

While Cramer only studied the defensive response following a threat to gender representation it is entirely plausible that individuals preemptively ramp up defensive behavior before going into situations that can be potentially threatening.

Please feel free to post any questions in the discussion section!

Cramer, P. (1998), "Threat to Gender Representation: Identity and Identification,"Journal of personality, 66 (3), 335-57.