Men are statistically less likely than women to seek help for physical and mental health issues. This trend has been linked to various factors, including societal expectations, stigma, and internalized beliefs about gender roles. One critical factor in understanding this behavior is the concept of masculinity. Traditional masculinity norms often emphasize self-reliance, emotional control, and the avoidance of perceived weaknesses, which can significantly impact men's willingness to seek help.
Masculinity and Help-Seeking Behavior
Masculinity is a socially constructed set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with boys and men. These norms are often culturally and contextually specific but generally include characteristics such as stoicism, toughness, and self-sufficiency. Research indicates that adherence to traditional masculine norms can discourage men from engaging in help-seeking behaviors.
1. Self-Reliance and Independence
One of the core tenets of traditional masculinity is self-reliance. Men are often socialized to believe that they should manage their problems independently without relying on others. This belief can lead to a reluctance to seek help, as doing so might be perceived as a sign of weakness or incompetence. Studies have shown that men who strongly endorse traditional masculine norms are less likely to seek medical and psychological help, often waiting until problems become severe before consulting a professional (Mahalik et al., 2007).
2. Emotional Control and Vulnerability
Traditional masculinity also values emotional control, discouraging men from expressing vulnerability. Seeking help, particularly for psychological issues, often requires acknowledging emotional distress, which can conflict with these norms. Men may fear being judged or stigmatized for expressing emotions that are inconsistent with the societal expectations of masculine behavior. Consequently, they may avoid seeking psychological services, even when they experience significant distress (Courtenay, 2000).
3. Fear of Judgment and Stigma
Stigma plays a crucial role in deterring men from seeking help. The fear of being perceived as weak or unmanly can be a powerful deterrent. For instance, studies have found that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues because of the stigma associated with mental illness and the perception that seeking help is a feminine behavior (Vogel et al., 2007). This stigma can be both external, from societal attitudes, and internal, from men's internalized beliefs about masculinity.
4. Societal Expectations and Gender Roles
Societal expectations further exacerbate the issue. Men are often expected to be providers and protectors, roles that emphasize strength and resilience. These roles can discourage men from acknowledging vulnerabilities and seeking help. For example, research has demonstrated that men in professional and competitive environments may avoid seeking psychological support to maintain an image of competence and control (Addis & Mahalik, 2003).
5. Practical Barriers and Perceptions of Services
In addition to psychological barriers, practical issues can also influence help-seeking behaviors. Men may perceive medical and psychological services as not tailored to their needs or as threatening to their masculine identity. For example, medical environments are often perceived as more welcoming to women, and men may feel uncomfortable in these settings (O’Brien et al., 2005). Additionally, men may have concerns about confidentiality or the potential impact of seeking help on their careers.
Additional Research to Consider:
Vogel et al. (2011) explored the relationship between the endorsement of masculine norms, self-stigma, and help-seeking attitudes. It finds that traditional masculine norms and self-stigma negatively predict attitudes towards seeking both formal and informal help for mental health issues.
Addis & Mahalik (2003) foundational paper discusses how masculine norms affect men's help-seeking behaviors. It identifies factors such as fear of being perceived as weak, the need for emotional control, and the value placed on independence as significant barriers to seeking help.
Wendt, D., & Shafer, K. (2016) utilized national data, this study examines gender differences in attitudes toward mental health help-seeking. It highlights how traditional masculinity is associated with lower perceived need and less positive attitudes toward seeking psychological help.
Berger et al. (2013) explored how different mental health labels and the sources from which men receive help-seeking advice (friends, family, professionals) influence their willingness to seek help. It emphasizes the importance of how mental health issues are framed and the social context in influencing help-seeking behaviors.
Yousaf et al. (2015) examined how attitudes towards masculinity and gender roles affect men's willingness to seek psychological help. It finds that men with traditional views of masculinity are less likely to seek psychological help, while those with more flexible gender role attitudes are more open to it.
Galdas et al. (2005) conducted a literature review explores the broader context of men’s health-seeking behaviors, including psychological help. It identifies barriers such as cultural norms, lack of awareness, and perceptions of invulnerability as key factors that influence help-seeking.
Strategies to Encourage Help-Seeking Among Men
To address these barriers, it is essential to challenge and redefine traditional masculinity norms. Promoting new models of masculinity that include seeking help as a strength rather than a weakness can be an effective strategy. Public health campaigns, educational programs, and media representations can play a role in normalizing help-seeking behaviors for men. Moreover, providing male-friendly services, such as male support groups or male-oriented clinics, can make the process more comfortable and accessible.
Creating Male-Friendly Services
Tailored Mental Health Services: Developing mental health services that specifically cater to men, such as male-oriented counseling groups or clinics, can make the process more comfortable and relatable. These services should consider the preferences and concerns of male clients, such as confidentiality and practical advice (O'Brien, Hunt, & Hart, 2005).
Training Providers: Healthcare providers should be trained to understand and address the unique barriers men face. This includes being sensitive to issues related to masculinity and creating a welcoming and non-judgmental environment (Vogel et al., 2011).
Increasing Accessibility and Visibility
Workplace Mental Health Programs: Implementing mental health initiatives in the workplace can reduce barriers related to accessibility and time. Employers can offer workshops, provide access to counseling services, and create a culture that supports mental well-being (Wendt & Shafer, 2016).
Leveraging Technology: Online therapy and telehealth services can be particularly appealing to men who may be reluctant to attend in-person sessions. These platforms provide a sense of anonymity and convenience, which can facilitate initial engagement (Berger et al., 2013).
Encouraging Informal Help-Seeking
Promoting Peer Support: Encouraging men to discuss mental health issues with trusted friends or family members can serve as a gateway to formal help-seeking. Peer support groups, both in-person and online, can offer a supportive environment for sharing experiences and advice (Yousaf et al., 2015).
Utilizing Community Resources: Community-based interventions, such as support groups and community outreach programs, can provide informal networks of support. These settings often feel less clinical and more approachable (Galdas et al., 2005).
Reducing Stigma and Increasing Social Support
Anti-Stigma Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and therapy can positively impact help-seeking behaviors. Highlighting stories of men who have successfully sought help can normalize the experience (Vogel et al., 2011).
Building Supportive Networks: Encouraging the involvement of family and friends in the support process can help men feel more comfortable seeking help. Educating close associates about the importance of mental health can also increase supportive attitudes (Addis & Mahalik, 2003).
Conclusion
Men's avoidance of help-seeking behaviors is a multifaceted issue deeply rooted in societal norms and gender expectations. Traditional masculinity norms, including self-reliance, emotional control, and fear of stigma, play a significant role in deterring men from seeking the medical and psychological support they need. Addressing these barriers requires a societal shift in the perception of masculinity and the normalization of help-seeking as a healthy and necessary behavior for all individuals. By fostering a culture that supports and encourages men to seek help, we can improve health outcomes and overall well-being for men.
References
Addis, M. E., & Mahalik, J. R. (2003). Men, masculinity, and the contexts of help-seeking. American Psychologist, 58(1), 5-14.
Berger, J. M., Addis, M. E., Green, J. D., Mackowiak, C., & Goldberg, V. (2013). Men's reactions to mental health labels, forms of help-seeking, and sources of help-seeking advice. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 14(4), 433-443.
Courtenay, W. H. (2000). Constructions of masculinity and their influence on men's well-being: a theory of gender and health. Social Science & Medicine, 50(10), 1385-1401.
Galdas, P. M., Cheater, F., & Marshall, P. (2005). Men and health help-seeking behaviour: Literature review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 49(6), 616-623.
Mahalik, J. R., Burns, S. M., & Syzdek, M. (2007). Masculinity and perceived normative health behaviors as predictors of men's health behaviors. Social Science & Medicine, 64(11), 2201-2209.
O’Brien, R., Hunt, K., & Hart, G. (2005). ‘It's caveman stuff, but that is to a certain extent how guys still operate’: Men's accounts of masculinity and help seeking. Social Science & Medicine, 61(3), 503-516.
Vogel, D. L., Heimerdinger-Edwards, S. R., Hammer, J. H., & Hubbard, A. (2011). ‘Boys don’t cry’: Examination of the links between endorsement of masculine norms, self-stigma, and help-seeking attitudes for men from diverse backgrounds. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 58(3), 368-382.
Vogel, D. L., Wade, N. G., & Hackler, A. H. (2007). Perceived public stigma and the willingness to seek counseling: The mediating roles of self-stigma and attitudes toward counseling. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 54(1), 40-50.
Wendt, D., & Shafer, K. (2016). Gender and attitudes about mental health help seeking: Results from national data. Health & Social Work, 41(1), e20-e28.
Yousaf, O., Popat, A., & Hunter, M. S. (2015). An investigation of masculinity attitudes, gender, and attitudes towards psychological help-seeking. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 16(2), 234-237.
Not many people realise this, but there is a huge pile of flawed research suggesting that masculinity prevents men from seeking help. A closer look at the literature shows that masculinity has a small influence on help-seeking but mainly on young men. Moreover some evidence suggests masculinity can be helpful for men's help seeking. Masculinity research is a field where the huge volume of flawed evidence swamps out anything positive, and the vast bulk of funding goes to research aimed at magnifying the prevailing negative of masculinity.
From the literature you've presented, we can see strong negative correlation between traditional masculinity and seeking help. Could this be viewed as an overdone strength? Is there any literature studying the relationship between traditional masculinity and resilience to stress, or minor problems? My thought process is that holding a traditionally masculine persona may help men cope with minor issues, but when it comes to larger issues, continuing to hold this persona becomes less and less useful to the point of being harmful (eg, not seeing a doctor about chest pains).