Does using action-oriented language increase men’s preferences for psychological therapies?

Abstract

Background: Men seek help less than women for mental health difficulties and increasing emphasis has been placed on services becoming ‘male-friendly’ to increase men’s uptake. However, many extant ‘male-friendly’ recommendations lack an empirical basis. The current study evaluates one such recommendation, using ‘action-oriented’ language, to explore (a) whether men prefer therapies described using action-oriented language and (b) whether preferences are associated with masculinities or psychological distress. Method: 117 men and women took part in an internet survey. Participants rated their preference for action and non-action-oriented descriptions of Compassion Focused Therapy and Behavioural Therapy for Depression. Preferences between the descriptions and between genders were compared, and correlational analysis explored whether preferences were associated with traditional and non-traditional masculinities, precarious manhood and psychological distress. Results: Across genders, there were no significant personal preferences for either action-oriented language or therapeutic approach. Associations between preferences and the study’s variables were generally low; except for a significant relationship between precarious manhood and action-oriented language in men (r = .44) and a preference for Compassion Focused Therapy was associated with higher psychological distress scores in both men and women (r = .29). Conclusions: The current study suggests using action-oriented language does not increase men’s preferences. However, the recommendation may be effective for a subgroup, those who view manhood as a precarious social status, and this finding requires replication and further exploration. The study adds impetus to the call for data-driven recommendations to increase men’s uptake of services