Connecting Masculinities to Men’s Illness Vulnerabilities and Resilience

Abstract

Men’s illness vulnerabilities and resilience are two predominant and regularly linked constructs in the masculinities and men’s health literature. There has been a steady stream of men’s strength-based vulnerabilities in the form of illness testimonials amid critiques that such disclosures are mere props for bolstering patriarchal power. The current article presents secondary analyses of case studies with four participants who took part in wide-ranging qualitative health studies to detail diverse connections between masculinities and men’s illness vulnerabilities and resilience. Prostate cancer–related vulnerabilities feature in the first case study where Arthur’s resilience for reclaiming his erectile function post-prostatectomy mobilizes an objection masculinity contesting his marginality. In the second case study, Chuck’s vulnerabilities are conceded as permanent flowing from his severe mental illness, a positionality situating resilience as obligatory for his survival. Here, Chuck embodies a resignate masculinity that accepts but works to manage the harms of his subordinate status. In the aftermath of his young son’s suicide, Jack laments that he did not model vulnerabilities. Resilience for understanding his loss influences a reimagined masculinity where Jack contemplates changes to gender norms for his and other men’s lives. Lastly, Sami replaces maladaptive actions for dousing vulnerabilities incurred through a partner-initiated separation with resilience for self-growth. Aspiring progress masculinity, Sami deconstructs his emotions and behaviors to positively change how he shows up as a man, father, and partner. The case studies reveal connections between objection, resignate, reimagined, and progress masculinities and men’s illness vulnerabilities and resilience to advance empirical, gender theory and methodological insights.

The mediating effect of self-efficacy on family functioning and psychological resilience in prostate cancer patients

“…This study found that the psychological resilience of prostate cancer patients is at a moderately low level compared to normal people and is lower than that of prostate cancer patients in Australia (Sharpley et al, 2014 ). Since most of the individuals in this study stated they are the main source of income for their family, their diagnosis of prostate cancer likely leads to self-isolation and increased stress (Gentili et al, 2022 ) as the Chinese cultural concept of masculinity is challenged (Oliffe, 2023 ). Compared to the general population, prostate cancer patients are firstly physiologically threatened by the cancer, and at the same time, the complications brought about by the treatment, such as body image disorders, pain and other triggers of psychological stress, reduce the level of mental health of patients.…”

Understanding Men’s Lived Experience of Mental Distress Through Metaphors

“… Reisfield and Wilson (2004 , p. 4025) argue the battle metaphor is “inherently masculine, power-based, paternalistic and violent” and fails to acknowledge that aggression and conflict are not always a favored method of coping with an illness. Men’s health scholars, on the contrary, propose the mobilization of some hegemonic masculine characteristics and ideologies might actually offer legitimate ways for men to express their challenges ( Oliffe, 2023 ). For example, military or battle metaphors can be strong counterpoints to the powerlessness and passivity associated with illness, imbued with resiliencies for moving away from illness or suicide.…”