Though women are consistently reported to be at greater risk for depression than men, the burden of depression among men is likely underestimated, as men are less likely to seek treatment.
Why is this pattern observed in men?
Research suggests men’s social support system and connectedness may be more complex. For example, Bryant-Bedell and Waite (2010) in their qualitative study of middle-aged men with depression reported that men described feelings of loneliness, sadness, and distress and actively sought emotional support, wanting to share these feelings with loved ones. Many of these men did not know how to talk about these feelings or felt embarrassed to do so.
The issue of men’s mental health and social support has drawn attention from researchers who draw on social theories of gender, where gender is considered to be socially constructed as opposed to biologically determined. In particular, sex role theory has been used to theorize connections between the male gender role, self-reported social support, and mental ill health
Sex- Role Theory
Sex role theory has been used to theorize connections between the male gender role, self-reported social support, and mental ill health.
Lower levels of social support in men was strongly correlated with increased restriction of emotions, particularly between men, which in turn was associated with increased psychological distress.
Men’s social support networks are limited because seeking support or discussing emotions goes against male role expectations emphasizing strength and emotional restraint.
There has also been a noted pattern of men compartmentalizing their social relationships especially noted in cis-het men.
Using a gender relations approach, Oliffe et al. (2011) provided insights into how men’s heterosexual relationships influenced how they managed their depression.
Masculine stereotypes can keep men’s emotional expression and depression “behind closed doors” with men relying on their wives and female partners for emotional support in private. Most of these men also lacked emotional social support with their male friends. The norms of masculinity stop them from divulging into emotional expression with other males.
While young distressed men in the study desperately wanted closer social connections and support from family members and friends, they feared being judged as emotionally vulnerable, weak, and unmasculine. This discouraged them from actively seeking support, leaving them at heightened risk of suicide.
The effect of multidimensional masculine norms on depression and mental health services utilisation
WHO report identified several points where gender inequality and social norms associated with traditional masculinity have negative impacts on men’s health, including increased risk-taking, adherence to the breadwinner model, and a general stigma against accessing health services.
Risk-taking
For example, the WHO report cites a study of men in Russia that found heavy drinking of strong alcohol to elevate a man’s status in working-class social groups and facilitate access to power. In this instance, men aren’t drinking more because they’re men; they’re drinking more because of unequal social pressures to do so.
Breadwinner
which signifies the traditional norm of men being the primary earner and provider of the family, can also lead to serious negative health outcomes. Long hours at strenuous jobs come with their own inherent risk. But the additional pressure of being a sole provider can lead to an increased likelihood of smoking, depression, and hypertension. These negative outcomes can occur, or even become exaggerated, during periods of unemployment.
Traditional views of masculinity
discourages men from seeking out health services. According to a study by IMAGES, men with less gender-equitable views were less likely to seek a prostate exam or get an HIV test.
By- Chaitanya Nair
References
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