Exploring men’s experiences of engagement with community-based projects promoting men’s mental health

Abstract

Differences may exist between men and women regarding the experience and expression of mental illness. Men are less likely to seek help for mental illness and engage with statutory health care services less frequently than women. Such differences are likely driven by gender socialisation and adherences to Western stereotypical masculine ideals of emotional restriction. Reduced help-seeking and non-disclosure of psychological difficulties may negatively affect men’s mental health. Due to men’s reticence in help-seeking for mental health difficulties from traditional health care services, men’s psychological needs may be better met in other, non-clinical settings. Recent years have seen an increase in men-only community-based projects that seem successful in engaging men with their health. At present, research has focused mainly on community-based projects targeting men’s physical health, while less is known about similar initiatives promoting mental health. To better understand what men value about participating in community-based projects for men’s mental health the existing qualitative research literature was reviewed systematically. By synthesising the research investigating positive participant outcomes, it was hoped that recommendations for project design could be developed that may increase mental health benefits for participants. The findings from the qualitative research were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Three descriptive themes were identified: Intrapersonal benefits, Interpersonal benefits, and Programme-related values. Encapsulated in these three themes were eleven subthemes. Five analytical themes were developed from the descriptive themes that emerged from the analysis of the primary studies. The analytical themes informed recommendations for the development of future similar interventions. While research into community-based projects gender sensitised for men has focused mainly on physical health promoting initiatives, less is known about the lived experiences of mental health difficulties and the use of community-based projects as told by the project users themselves. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis this study explored what engagement with community-based services promoting men’s mental health meant to men with a history of mental health difficulties. Eight men, who all used community-based men’s groups for emotional and psychological support, were interviewed. From the analysis of the interviews emerged three superordinate themes: Managing emotions as a man, Locus of control and Group experiences, including a total of eleven subthemes. The study results are discussed including strengths and limitations of the study and based on the study findings recommendations are given for further advancement of men’s mental health in community-based settings.