Masculinity means taking control of your mental health
Although men take their own lives more than women do, men seek help from therapists less than women do. Clearly this is an important issue for psychologists to address.
The 1990s saw the beginning of interest in the psychological aspects of masculinity. However this body of work created a deficit model of masculinity, with masculine traits seen as problematic socialisations. This view remains prevalent today.
The influential work of Addis & Mahalik (2003) suggested that for men to seek help they need to overcome the masculine values which pressure them to not seek help. According to this view, seeking help means showing emotional vulnerability to others, which is in conflict with masculine ideals, such as being in control of one’s emotions.
This view of masculinity is generally unchallenged in psychology, academia, and the media. It sounds plausible, but does it tell the whole story? The evidence suggests not.
Interviews by Carlos Sierra Hernandez and colleagues of men who had experienced depression found that those who redefined help-seeking behaviors as masculine, felt more empowered to deal with all aspects of seeking help they perceived as being under their control. For example, they felt more able to seek treatment, choose the right treatment for themselves, and adhere with the treatment programme. This demonstrates that the traditional male script of having mastery and control over one’s emotions can be used in a positive, beneficial way. Like any set of values, masculine ideals can be used in a helpful or unhelpful way.
Is this the only evidence that traditional masculinity can have a positive side in dealing with depression? Far from it. A meta-analysis of 34 studies concluded that traditional masculine ideals can offer positive resources for men coping with depression. Apart from taking control (as described by Sierra Hernandez et al), studies found that men used traditionally masculine approaches such as physical activities (chopping wood, playing in a rock band, motor biking), reframing depression as a heroic struggle that made them stronger, and reframing help-seeking as active, rational, responsible, and independent action.
Given the above evidence, it makes sense for psychologists today to step away from the deficit model of masculinity, and embrace a more positive view of masculinity.
This article was first published on the Male Psychology Network website in 2018.
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Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, legal advice, or other professional opinion. Never disregard such advice because of this article or anything else you have read from the Centre for Male Psychology. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of, or are endorsed by, The Centre for Male Psychology, and we cannot be held responsible for these views. Read our full disclaimer here.
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John Barry
Dr John Barry is a chartered psychologist, researcher, clinical hypnotherapist and co-founder of the Male Psychology Network, BPS Male Psychology Section, and The Centre for Male Psychology (CMP). Also co-editor of the Palgrave Handbook of Male Psychology & Mental Health, co-author of the textbook Perspectives in Male Psychology: An Introduction (Wiley), and presenter on Centre for Male Psychology training courses.