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Sharp P, Zhu P, Ogrodniczuk JS, McKenzie SK, Seidler ZE, Rice SM, Oliffe JL. Men's peer support for mental health challenges: future directions for research and practice. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daae046. [PMID: 38770901 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Peer support has a long history of helping people navigate mental health challenges and is increasingly utilized within men's mental health promotion initiatives. Despite considerable research conceptualizing and evaluating peer support in various contexts, little is known about the gendered dimensions of men's peer support and mutual help for mental health. This article provides an empirically informed commentary on men's peer support and informal help-seeking preferences to make recommendations for future directions for research and practice. Research examining men's peer support is emergent and the available evidence suggests that there is potential to conceptually align with many men's values and preferences for mental health help-seeking. Peer support offers a non-clinical, strength-based adjunct to professional support that may aid men in navigating a range of mental health challenges. Consideration must be given to the influence of gender socialization and men's diverse experiences with developing and maintaining peer relationships. It should not be assumed that authentic and supportive relationships will naturally form when men congregate together. As a growing number of interventions and programs emerge targeted at boys and men, there are important opportunities to leverage these health promotion efforts to encourage and coach men to engage in mutual help. Opportunities for research and practice are discussed to better understand and harness the health-promoting potential of peer support for men's mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Sharp
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Wallance Wurth Building (C27), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Patricia Zhu
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - John S Ogrodniczuk
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Sarah K McKenzie
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, 23 Mein Street, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Zac E Seidler
- Movember, 4/21-31 Goodwood St, Richmond, Melbourne, VIC 3121, Australia
- Orygen, 35 Poplar Rd, Parkville, Melbourne,VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Simon M Rice
- Movember, 4/21-31 Goodwood St, Richmond, Melbourne, VIC 3121, Australia
- Orygen, 35 Poplar Rd, Parkville, Melbourne,VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - John L Oliffe
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Densitry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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Macdonald D, Nicolopoulos A, Habak S, Christensen H, Boydell K. Suicidal Emotions, Motivations and Rationales in Australian Men: A Qualitative Exploration. Glob Qual Nurs Res 2024; 11:23333936241242915. [PMID: 38572389 PMCID: PMC10989048 DOI: 10.1177/23333936241242915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Suicide has a devasting and far-reaching effect on our communities. In developed countries, most people who die by suicide are male. Understanding men's mental health and what they experience in a suicidal state is key to preventing future attempts. Our paper explores how a group of 37 men in Australia describe the leadup to their suicidality. Underpinned by interpretive phenomenological analysis, interview transcripts were examined for phrases that the investigative team subjectively identified as profound. Our approach considered language and expression that evoke reactions to the sometimes contradictory nature of suicide. The process enabled our team to identify the emotions, rationales, and motivations for and against suicide that give rise to and arise during suicidal states. One man's source of strength may be another's cause of anguish, so any single, one-size-fits-all pathway to suicide prevention is unlikely to succeed, signaling the need for a tailored approach to suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Macdonald
- Black Dog Institute and School of Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Stephanie Habak
- Black Dog Institute and School of Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Christensen
- Black Dog Institute and School of Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine Boydell
- Black Dog Institute and School of Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Seidler ZE, Benakovic R, Wilson MJ, Fletcher J, Oliffe JL, Owen J, Rice SM. Supporting Clinical Competencies in Men's Mental Health Using the Men in Mind Practitioner Training Program: User Experience Study. JMIR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 9:e48804. [PMID: 37934579 PMCID: PMC10664012 DOI: 10.2196/48804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engaging men in psychotherapy is essential in male suicide prevention efforts, yet to date, efforts to upskill mental health practitioners in delivering gender-sensitized therapy for men have been lacking. To address this, we developed Men in Mind, an e-learning training program designed to upskill mental health practitioners in engaging men in therapy. OBJECTIVE This study involves an in-depth analysis of the user experience of the Men in Mind intervention, assessed as part of a randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of the intervention. METHODS Following completion of the intervention, participants provided qualitative (n=392) and quantitative (n=395) user experience feedback, focused on successes and suggested improvements to the intervention and improvements to their confidence in delivering therapy with specific subpopulations of male clients. We also assessed practitioner learning goals (n=242) and explored the extent to which participants had achieved these goals at follow-up. RESULTS Participants valued the inclusion of video demonstrations of skills in action alongside the range of evidence-based content dedicated to improving their insight into the engagement of men in therapy. Suggested improvements most commonly reflected the desire for more or more diverse content, alongside the necessary adaptations to improve the learning and user experience. Participants also commonly reported improved confidence in assisting men with difficulty articulating their emotions in therapy and suicidal men. CONCLUSIONS The evidence obtained from this study aids in plans to scale Men in Mind and informs the future development of practitioner training interventions in men's mental health. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s40359-022-00875-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zac E Seidler
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Movember, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ruben Benakovic
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael J Wilson
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Justine Fletcher
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John L Oliffe
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Nursing, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jesse Owen
- Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Simon M Rice
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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4
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Sharp P, Ogrodniczuk JS, Sha M, Kelly MT, Montaner GG, Kealy D, Seidler ZE, Rice SM, Oliffe JL. Working with men in the context of distressed and disrupted intimate partner relationships: A qualitative study. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 115:107873. [PMID: 37421685 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe key considerations for working with men experiencing distressed and disrupted intimate partner relationships. METHODS Individual Zoom interviews were conducted with help-seeking men (n = 25) who had experienced an intimate partnership break-up, and health service providers (n = 30) working with men in the relationships space. Interpretive Description methodology was used to generate considerations for working with men in distressed and disrupted relationships. RESULTS Three thematic findings were inductively derived; 1) A whole life approach for deconstructing relationships, wherein men engaged in discussions about their broader experiences and circumstances within the context of intimate partnerships; 2) Affirming men's relationship emotions and vulnerabilities as normative and changeable, comprising coaching for embodying transformative masculinities; and 3) Tangible 'to do's' in and after a relationship, outlining men's present and prospective self-work with action-oriented strategies. CONCLUSION Strategies tailored to men's receptivity and needs can increase connection with professional services and providers to bolster the mental health of men in and after disrupted intimate partner relationships. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS With men increasingly accessing professional mental health services, the present study offers key considerations and recommendations regarding assessment, communication, and treatment for health service providers working with men in the relationships space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Sharp
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - John S Ogrodniczuk
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Matthew Sha
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mary T Kelly
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - David Kealy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Zac E Seidler
- Orygen, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Movember, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon M Rice
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Movember, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - John L Oliffe
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Nursing, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Galdas PM, Seidler ZE, Oliffe JL. Designing Men's Health Programs: The 5C Framework. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231186463. [PMID: 37496323 PMCID: PMC10387791 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231186463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Men are less likely than women to access or engage with a range of generic health programs across a diversity of settings. Designing health programs that mitigate barriers associated with normative ideals of masculinity has been widely viewed as a key factor in how health systems should respond, but strategies to engage men have often narrowly conceptualized male health behavior and risk inadvertently reinforcing negative and outdated gender stereotypes. Currently absent from the men's health literature is practical guidance on gender-transformative approaches to men's health program design-those which seek to quell harmful gender norms and purposefully promote health equity across wide-ranging issues, intervention types, and service contexts. In this article, we propose a novel conceptual model underpinned by gender-transformative goals to help guide researchers and practitioners tailor men's health programs to improve accessibility and engagement. The "5C framework" offers key considerations and guiding principles on the application of masculinities in program design irrespective of intervention type or service context. By detailing five salient phases of program development, the framework is intended as a designate approach to the design of accessible and engaging men's health programs that will foster progressive changes in the ways in which masculinity can be interpreted and expressed as a means to achieve health for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Galdas
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Zac E. Seidler
- Orygen, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Movember, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John L. Oliffe
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Nursing, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Horwood G, Augoustinos M, Due C. “It’s important to manage our stress”: Mental health advice in the Australian print news media during the COVID-19 pandemic. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 3:100204. [PMID: 36974336 PMCID: PMC10029348 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2023.100204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened existing concerns about mental health and illness in Australia. The news media is an important source of health information, but there has been little research into how advice about mental health is communicated to the public via the news media. In this study, we examined how advice about building and maintaining mental health was discursively constructed in the news media during the COVID-19 pandemic. A discourse analytic approach informed by critical discursive psychology was employed to analyse 436 articles published in daily newspapers in Australia between 1 January and 31 December 2020, which contained references to mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic. Three main interpretative repertoires were identified – negative emotions are a risk to mental health and must be managed; risky emotions should be managed by being controlled (based around a ‘border control’ metaphor); and risky emotions should be managed by being released (based around a ‘pressure cooker’ metaphor). This study demonstrates that, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, advice constructed negative emotions as risky and problematic; and normalized the habitual management of emotions by individuals through strategies of control and release. Potential implications of such discourses for goals of improving population mental health are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Horwood
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Martha Augoustinos
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Clemence Due
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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DeBate R, Gatto A, Rafal G, Bleck J. A qualitative assessment of mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviors among male college students. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 2:23. [PMID: 37861733 PMCID: PMC10501103 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-022-00028-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Although the number of students receiving care from college counseling centers has increased, engaging male college students to seek help presents a unique challenge. This qualitative study explored mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviors among undergraduate college men. Semi-structured interviews (n = 26) based on three vignettes (anxiety, depression, stress) were employed to assess mental health literacy. Analysis revealed three general themes and associated sub-themes: (a) knowledge of signs and symptoms (physiological, behavioral, and emotional); (b) recommended help-seeking behaviors (do nothing, self-care, seek help); and (c) barriers to help-seeking (social stigma, self-stigma, masculinity). Findings present a triadic interplay between the person, help-seeking behavior, and environment. Future research should explore this dynamic relationship to inform interventions aimed at improving college male mental health help-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita DeBate
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Amy Gatto
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Gregor Rafal
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek Dr. S, Denver, CO 80246 USA
| | - Jennifer Bleck
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
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Knox J, Morgan P, Kay-Lambkin F, Wilson J, Wallis K, Mallise C, Barclay B, Young M. Male involvement in randomised trials testing psychotherapy or behavioural interventions for depression: a scoping review. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-16. [PMID: 36531196 PMCID: PMC9735062 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04017-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder in men is half that of women, yet depression affects approximately 109 million men worldwide. Alarmingly, men account for three quarters of suicides in Western countries but are unlikely to seek help for mental health concerns. It is possible that existing mental health treatments are not engaging or accessible to men. The aim of this review was to quantify the number of men involved in randomised trials of psychotherapy or lifestyle behaviour change targeting depression. Results found men represented 26% of participants in 110 eligible articles compared to 73% women. Men's representation was low across all intervention characteristics (e.g., delivery mode). No studies used a completely male sample, compared to 19 studies targeting women only. Men are substantially underrepresented in research trials targeting depression. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-04017-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Knox
- School of Psychological Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia
| | - Philip Morgan
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Frances Kay-Lambkin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Jessica Wilson
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Kimberley Wallis
- School of Psychological Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia
| | - Carly Mallise
- School of Psychological Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia
| | - Briana Barclay
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Myles Young
- School of Psychological Science, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
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McGrath A, Murphy N, Richardson N. ‘Sheds for Life’: delivering a gender-transformative approach to health promotion in Men’s Sheds. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:6775362. [DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
Research has highlighted the importance of gendered approaches to engage men with health. Sheds for Life (SFL) is a health and wellbeing initiative that utilizes evidence-based and gender-specific approaches to engage hard to reach men with health promotion directly in the Men’s Sheds (Sheds) setting. To understand the impact of SFL and how participants (Shedders) experienced SFL in practice, this qualitative study applied a framework of constructivism and aimed to explore how gendered approaches impacted engagement with SFL through Shedder’s own accounts of their attitudes, opinions and experiences. Qualitative methods incorporating ethnographical observations, focus groups (n = 8) and short semi-structured interviews (n = 19) were conducted with SFL participants in the Shed setting. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data to faithfully capture Shedders’ experiences while acknowledging the reflexive influence of the researcher. Findings led to three key themes: Creating the ‘right environment’; Normalizing meaningful conversations; a legacy for ‘talking health’ with subthemes of creating safety and trust and strengthening of bonds; and transforming perceptions of how men ‘do health’ with subthemes of reaping the benefits of engaging with health and reframing attitudes towards health. This is first study to capture Shedders’ experiences of a structured health promotion initiative in the Shed setting. Findings highlight the value in utilizing the Shed setting to engage men with health and the importance of gender-specific strategies which encourage a gender-transformative approach to men’s health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling McGrath
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, School of Health Sciences, South East Technological University , Waterford , Ireland
| | - Niamh Murphy
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, School of Health Sciences, South East Technological University , Waterford , Ireland
| | - Noel Richardson
- National Centre for Men’s Health, South East Technological University , Carlow , Ireland
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Storey QK, Kealy D, Seidler ZE, Oliffe JL, Rice SM, Ogrodniczuk JS. Connecting and Healing: The Role of Existential Isolation in Mediating the Impact of the Therapeutic Relationship on Canadian Men's Mental Health Outcomes. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221136980. [PMID: 36373408 PMCID: PMC9663642 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221136980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic relationship has emerged as one of the most important components of successful treatment outcomes, regardless of the specific form of therapy. Research has now turned its attention to better understanding how the therapeutic relationship contributes to patient improvement. Extant literature contends that a strong therapeutic relationship may help reduce a patient's sense of existential isolation (i.e., a sense of not feeling understood by others). Research indicates that existential isolation might be especially problematic for men, potentially increasing their risk for suicidality. This study investigated the association between strength of the therapeutic relationship and psychological distress and suicidality among men who received psychotherapy, and whether existential isolation mediated this association. A total of 204 Canadian men who had previously attended psychotherapy participated in a cross-sectional survey, completing measures of the quality of their most recent therapeutic relationship, existential isolation, depression and anxiety symptoms, and suicidality. Regression with mediation analysis was conducted. Two models were tested; one with depression/anxiety symptoms as the dependent variable and the other with suicidality as the dependent variable. Both mediation models emerged as significant, indicating an indirect effect for quality of the therapeutic relationship on symptoms of anxiety/depression and suicidality through existential isolation. The findings suggest that a positive therapeutic relationship can contribute to men feeling less isolated in their experiences in life (i.e., less existentially isolated), thereby helping mitigate psychological distress and suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinn K. Storey
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Kealy
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zac E. Seidler
- Orygen, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Movember Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John L. Oliffe
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Department of Nursing, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon M. Rice
- Orygen, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John S. Ogrodniczuk
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,John S. Ogrodniczuk, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, 420-5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4.
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11
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Household composition and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277243. [PMID: 36327340 PMCID: PMC9632761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Household composition may be an important factor associated with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic as people spend more time at home due to physical distancing and lockdown restrictions. Adults living with children–especially women–may be particularly vulnerable to anxiety as they balance additional childcare responsibilities and homeschooling with work. The objective of this study was to examine the association between household composition and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore gender as an effect modifier. Methods Data were derived from seven waves of a national online survey of Canadian adults aged 18+ years from May 2020 to March 2021, which used quota sampling by age, gender, and region proportional to the English-speaking Canadian population (n = 7,021). Multivariable logistic and modified least-squares regression models were used. Results Compared to those living alone, significantly greater odds of anxiety symptoms were observed among single parents/guardians (aOR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.41–2.84), those living with adult(s) and child(ren) (aOR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.10–1.76), and those living with adult(s) only (aOR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.00–1.49). Gender was a significant effect modifier on the additive scale (p = 0.0487) such that the association between living with child(ren) and anxiety symptoms was stronger among men than women. Conclusion Additional tailored supports are needed to address anxiety among adults living with children–especially men–during the COVID-19 pandemic and future infectious disease events.
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Henderson M, Hughes M, Hurley J, Smith G. Voluntary male mentors' lived experience of social engagement with men in their community. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e6286-e6293. [PMID: 36264134 PMCID: PMC10092316 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.14067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Men volunteering to mentor other men is a growing form of social engagement in Australia. Masculine norms associated with not disclosing emotional distress or discussing loneliness are often set aside by participating in these one-to-one relationships. Mentors have reported improvement in their well-being and a desire to contribute more. In this phenomenological study, which draws on hermeneutic methodology, 12 men who voluntarily met and mentored another adult man for a minimum of 6 months participated in a semi-structured interview. Findings showed non-judgement and deep listening facilitated a rewarding and personally developmental relationship. Most voluntary mentors experienced substantial changes in their masculine views, particularly with the regard to trust and openness with others. This experience has implications for men realising their ability to engage others and for community well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Henderson
- Faculty of HealthSouthern Cross UniversityCoffs HarbourAustralia
| | - Mark Hughes
- Faculty of HealthSouthern Cross UniversityCoffs HarbourAustralia
| | - John Hurley
- Faculty of HealthSouthern Cross UniversityCoffs HarbourAustralia
| | - Gregory Smith
- Faculty of BusinessLaw and Arts, Southern Cross UniversityCoffs HarbourAustralia
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13
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McGrath A, Murphy N, Egan T, Richardson N. Sheds for life: health and wellbeing outcomes of a tailored community-based health promotion initiative for men’s sheds in Ireland. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1590. [PMID: 35987612 PMCID: PMC9392583 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13964-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Gender is increasingly recognised as a critical factor in designing community-based health promotion programmes. Men’s Sheds (‘Sheds’) are community-based informal environments that represent a safe space in which to engage cohorts of hard-to-reach (HTR) men in health promotion. Sheds for Life (SFL), the first structured health promotion initiative evaluated globally in Sheds, is a 10-week initiative co-designed with Shed Members (Shedders) and delivered directly in the Shed setting in Ireland. This research describes the health and wellbeing outcomes experienced by SFL participants.
Methods
Purposive sampling was used to recruit a diverse representation of Shedders (n = 421) participating in SFL alongside a wait list control (n = 86). Questionnaires assessing constructs of health and wellbeing were administered one-to-one in Sheds at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Descriptive data for health outcomes were generated for each time point and assessed for significant changes using inferential testing, while considering COVID-19 impact.
Results
Outcomes related to subjective wellbeing, mental wellbeing, physical activity, social capital and healthy eating significantly increased post SFL (p < 0.05). Mental wellbeing scores (SWEMWBS) post SFL remained significantly higher than baseline despite COVID-19 impact (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression indicated that the odds of a meaningful SWEMWBS change was significantly higher for shedders that had lower SWEMWBS (OR 0.804), less loneliness (OR 0.638) and lived alone (OR 0.456) at baseline. Shedders with lower SWEMBWS had higher odds of experiencing positive changes in life satisfaction (OR 0.911) and trust (OR 0.928), while Shedders who lived alone had also higher odds of experience positive changes in healthy eating (OR 0.481). Finally, inactive Shedders at baseline had higher odds of experiencing increased levels of physical activity (OR 0.582).
Conclusions
Findings suggest that the inclusive, community-based SFL model is effective in engaging Shedders and facilitating positive and sustained changes in health and wellbeing outcomes. Using gender-specific approaches in the informal and safe environment of the Shed are effective in engaging men in structured health and wellbeing initiatives, particularly those who may be more vulnerable, isolated or lonely.
Trial registration
This study has been retrospectively registered with the ‘International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number’ registry (ISRCTN79921361) as of 05/03/2021.
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