Men’s perspectives on the relationship between masculinities and suicidality: A thematic synthesis.

Abstract

This review explored how currently and/or formerly suicidal men perceived masculinities to contribute to, and/or protect against, their suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors and help-seeking. Nine databases were searched using predefined search terms (e.g., masculin*, man, men, boy, suicid*, qualitative), supplemented by searches of key journals, reference and citation lists, and Google Scholar. Twenty-five English-language articles containing qualitative data were obtained. Studies were conducted in Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Ireland, Norway, Pakistan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The articles were appraised for quality and thematically synthesized, resulting in three themes. The findings suggest multifaceted roles of masculinities in influencing suicidal ideation, intent, attempts, and help-seeking. Men linked failure to attain socially powerful positions of provision and status to experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Viewing suicide as courageous and decisive, thus adhering to masculine expectations, appeared contributory to suicidal behaviors. Men described potential protective factors against suicidal behaviors, including perceived masculine expectations to protect and provide for their families, a view of suicide as cowardly and therefore un-masculine, and drawing upon “positive” masculine norms to facilitate help-seeking for suicidal ideation and distress. There was, however, substantial evidence of men describing not seeking help for suicidal ideation and distress due to adhering to “traditional” masculine norms. Clinical implications and future research directions for incorporating masculinities into male suicide prevention theory and practice are discussed, emphasizing the importance of further research into the experiences of higher risk groups of men and of men with diverse and intersecting identities.