Doing and rethinking. Building resilience with men

Abstract

Structured Abstract: Purpose This paper presents findings from an evaluation of a mental health resilience intervention for unemployed men aged 45-60. The focus is on examining the place of activities within a multidimensional men's mental health programme, and exploring interactions between social context factors and models of change. DesignThe paper draws on before and after survey data and qualitative interviews, to report results concerning effectiveness in changing men's perceived resilience, to consider project processes concerning activities, social support and coping strategies, and to situate these within wider environments. FindingsThe programme significantly raised the perceived resilience of participants. Activities were engaging for men, while the complex intersection between activities, social networking, and coping strategies course provided opportunities for men to develop resilience in contexts resonant with their male identities. Practical implicationsThe paper discusses emerging considerations for resilience building, focusing on gender-sensitive approaches which can engage and retain men by focusing on doing and talking, in the contexts of men's life-course, highlighting embodied (male) identities not disembodied 'mental states', and facilitating social support. There are challenges to recruit men despite stigma, support men to speak of feelings, and facilitate progression. Social implicationsPotential exists for gender-aware programmes to sustain salutogenic change, co-producing social assets of peer support, male-friendly activities, and context sensitive course provision. Originality/valueThe paper adds fresh evidence of gendered intervention approaches, including effects on male resilience. Application of a context-sensitive change model leads to multi-component findings for transferring and sustaining programme gains.

Men’s Mental Health Promotion Interventions: A Scoping Review

“…The most common theme across the 25 studies was the inclusion of stress management techniques in some form, with 14 studies focusing at least in part on stress reduction ( Bilderbeck et al, 2013 ; Bormann et al, 2006 ; Bughi, Sumcad, & Bughi, 2006 ; Daubenmier et al, 2007 ; Hirokawa, Taniguchi, Tsuchiya, & Kawakami, 2012 ; Jarman et al, 2015 ; Kim, Lee, Kim, Noh, & Lee, 2016 ; Kobayashi et al, 2008 ; Limm et al, 2011 ; Mattila, Elo, Kuosma, & Kylä-Setälä, 2006 ; Nickel et al, 2007 ; Primack, Addis, Syzdek, & Miller, 2010 ; Umanodan et al, 2009 ; Weltman, Lamon, Freedy, & Chartrand, 2014 ). A basis in cognitive or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques was another common theme, with eight studies using this approach to varying degrees to inform interventions ( Abbott et al, 2009 ; Kim et al, 2016 ; Limm et al, 2011 ; McArdle, McGale, & Gaffney, 2012 ; McGale, McArdle, & Gaffney, 2011 ; Primack et al, 2010 ; Robinson, Robertson, Steen, Raine, & Day, 2015 ; Umanodan et al, 2009 ); however, other researchers also used similar techniques [e.g., deep diagrammatic breathing and self-control relaxation ( Bughi et al, 2006 )] and brief intervention for depressed mood ( Geisner et al, 2006 ), without explicitly describing their intervention as having a CBT basis.…”

“…Nevertheless, with respect to “mental fitness” seven studies focused on exercise as a positive strategy and all were reported to be effective for promoting outcomes related to mental wellness among men ( Battaglia et al, 2015 ; Bilderbeck et al, 2013 ; Daubenmier et al, 2007 ; McArdle et al, 2012 ; McGale et al, 2011 ; Robinson et al, 2015 ; Rocha et al, 2012 ). Furthermore, three interventions were designed to improve resilience.…”

“…Whereas, the Resilience Online program aimed to increase work performance, happiness/quality of life, and reduce distress among sales managers ( Abbott et al, 2009 ). Finally, the Mind Resilience Programme was reported to promote well-being, problem-solving, and social support in community-based samples ( Robinson et al, 2015 ). As the first two interventions designed to promote resilience were workplace-based, and the third was deemed to be a gender-sensitive intervention, these three studies are discussed in more detail in the sections below.…”

“…Among the six included studies were five examples of mental health interventions that were specifically designed for men. These included a Men’s Stress Workshop involving CBT, psycho-education, and discussions of men’s adherence to masculine norms ( Primack et al, 2010 ); a Mind Resilience Programme that included football, gardening, and drumming activities along with CBT/psycho-education aimed at promoting well-being among unemployed men via positive activities, building social networks, and developing coping skills ( Robinson et al, 2015 ); a State of Mind “Boot Room” program that delivered mental fitness messages to men via watching re-runs of classic rugby league games with former players who featured in those games ( Cooper, Stringer, Howes, & Norton, 2015 ); Back of the Net (two studies), a team-based integrated football and psychosocial (CBT) intervention to promote mental health among young men ( McArdle et al, 2012 ; McGale et al, 2011 ); and the Building Healthy Men Project that used the men’s shed model to promote mental health among socially diverse disadvantaged men including those who were unemployed ( Fildes, Cass, Wallner, & Owen, 2010 ). A defining feature of these programs was the integration of a gender-sensitive focus (e.g., considering masculinities, masculine roles, etc.)…”

“…The Mind Resilience projects were piloted in nine locations. In several of the pilot projects, specific activities (e.g., gardening, drumming, football) were reported to be attractive to particular groups of men ( Robinson et al, 2015 ). However, in two mind resilience projects recruitment challenges were attributed to an undesirable location, and perceived lack of choice and fun with the proposed activity.…”