Masculinity and psychological help-seeking : a qualitative study of men's pathways into psychological help in primary care

Abstract

The research describes a qualitative investigation of men's pathways to seeking psychological help. A total of seven men were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Qualitative data was analysed using grounded theory. One core category 'distancing' emerged from the analysis. This theme reflects the way in which men distance themselves from their distress and attempt to preserve a public appearance of coping. This general theme is reflected in five higher order categories that were also identified. These include: preserving a public identity; separating problems from self; crisis as disconnection; use of lay networks and self in psychological help. These themes are discussed in relation to men's pathways into psychological help and the network-episode model of help-seeking is revised to take account of these themes. Findings are discussed in relation to the relevant literature on help-seeking and masculinity. Recommendations for further research are made