Young men’s perceptions of emotional health: research to practice

Abstract

Reports an exploratory study which examined the meanings attributed by young men aged between 17 and 35 years of age to emotional health, the precipitants of life crisis, and the barriers to support. The study was qualitative and used vignettes and focus groups. The analysis indicates that the male conformity to the notion of masculinity inhibits and constrains choices available in a crisis. The stereotypical view of masculinity expressed in the study indicates why there is a fear of self‐ disclosure and an adherence to the male norm that emotional expression in men is taboo. The study has influenced the practice of mental health promotion. The paper demonstrates the process of translating research into practice in the form of a mass media campaign, which aimed to raise awareness and legitimise emotional health among young men. Describes the results of a tracking study of 200 face‐to‐face interviews of young people aged 16‐24, both before and after the campaign. At the post‐campaign stage, more young adults agreed strongly that stress was an issue, there was more willingness to talk through worries, and most young people used friends for help.

Citation

Ritchie, D. (1999), "Young men’s perceptions of emotional health: research to practice", Health Education, Vol. 99 No. 2, pp. 70-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654289910256932