Exploring the Effectiveness of an Integrated Mixed Martial Arts and Psychotherapy Intervention for Young Men’s Mental Health

Abstract

This research sought to establish the impact of a 10-week program combining mixed martial arts (MMA) and one-toone psychotherapy on young males' mental health and determine factors that predict help-seeking behavior in at-risk males. Preparticipation and post-participation interviews were employed as the method of data collection. Seven males (20-35 years; M = 24.57) completed preparticipation interviews and five completed follow-up interviews. Thematic analysis of preparticipation revealed that help-seeking behavior in at-risk males is impeded by the presence of male gender stereotypes, the absence of positive role models, as well as difficulty navigating challenging social landscapes. Post-participation interviews revealed that the sport provided structure and fitness for at-risk males, while the counseling was pivotal for personal growth. Improved relationships, work life, and self-esteem were also observed. The sporting element of the program helped to reduce stigma associated with engaging in psychotherapy, and positive male relationships were noted as particularly impactful. Findings support previous research indicating that combining sports and psychotherapy positively impacts young males' mental health. Sport provides an acceptable doorway to psychotherapy, providing space to explore personal issues.

“All My Problems Go Away for 90 Minutes”: How Football and Psychotherapy Improves Young Men’s Mental Health

“…These findings are consistent with international research suggesting that young males experience various barriers to help-seeking for mental health distress, including concerns of personal challenges, acceptance from peers, cultural and environmental influences, fear of homophobic responses, and perspectives around seeking professional help (Lynch et al, 2018). It is argued that health-care professionals need to acknowledge the extent of the gender-specific challenges facing this group when it comes to seeking help for mental health difficulties (Bird et al, 2019;Grace et al, 2018).…”

“…These studies combined sporting activities with planned activities aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing, including teaching participants cognitive behavioral techniques (McGale et al, 2011). Results of previous research reveal that male participants view sport as a positive medium for promoting mental health, hence supporting the need to develop gender-specific mental health interventions in order to both engage and entice young men to seek help and engage with services (Bird et al, 2019;McArdle et al, 2012;Swann et al, 2018).…”

“…In addition, it is suggested that an element of dominant masculinity, such as being self-reliant, is a strong catalyst of suicidal ideation amongst males (Pirkis et al, 2017). Recent research into help- seeking behaviors among young Irish men indicated that young men perceive services as not being mindful of how strongly reluctant young men in Ireland are toward disclosing mental health difficulties (Bird et al, 2019; Grace et al, 2018). These findings are consistent with international research suggesting that young males experience various barriers to help-seeking for mental health distress, including concerns of personal challenges, acceptance from peers, cultural and environmental influences, fear of homophobic responses, and perspectives around seeking professional help (Lynch et al, 2018).…”

“…Poverty and socioeconomic disadvantage have also been found to be risk factors for poorer mental health and suicide for young men in Ireland (Bird et al, 2019; Cleary, 2012; Department of Health, 2006), and are cited in the literature as barriers to help-seeking amongst at-risk males (Bird et al, 2019; Fergusson et al, 2000). Young men from disadvantaged backgrounds are generally more disconnected from their families and communities, compounded by issues such as unemployment, lack of routine, the absence of meaningful relationships, and financial difficulties (Bird et al, 2019; Grace et al, 2018). In addition, the absence, or loss, of positive male role models has been highlighted as particularly detrimental to well-being in the Irish context previously (Bird et al, 2019; Grace et al, 2018).…”

“…Previous research has suggested that traditional psychotherapeutic interventions can be tailored to be more gender-aware to increase male help-seeking and participation in therapy (Liddon et al, 2018; Spendelow, 2015). Some possible modifications include incorporating physical activity (Bird et al, 2019; Spendelow, 2015). Due to the psychological, physical, and social benefits associated with physical activity, engagement with organized activities has the potential to mediate suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in young males.…”