Boys don´t cry: Male depression through gender lensn

Psychology and its Contexts

关键词: depression;    gender;    intersectionality;    masculinity;    men;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Objective: Deeper understanding of depression amongst men in the gender context in the current research is missing (Emslie, Ridge, Hunt, 2006; Oliffe et al., 2010; Smith, 1999). This study aims to put the male experience of depression into gender framework, using gender as an analytical tool for better understanding of depression in men both in a social and cultural frame as well as a subjective experience. Method: Nine semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with men in Slovakia who are having or had a direct experience with depression. Gender was used as an analytical tool in order to contextualize the experiences of men with depression in a social context and power relations. Results: The research identified various gender aspects - from power, the influence of traditional male roles, concealing emotions, distancing yourself from yourself to 8 identified positive aspects of depression: awareness of their own vulnerability, realization that different emotions are part of the life, higher sensitivity and empathy towards others, social responsibility in raising awareness about depression, closer contact with oneself, new - adult identity, courage to seek help and courage to be vulnerable and sensitive. The research also indicates the presence of intersectionality, offers the possibility of applying research findings to practice, and highlights the need to pay closer attention to gender aspects when examining depression as well as for direct work with men who suffer from depression. Conclusion: Our findings recommend paying closer attention to gender aspects while examining depression as well as for direct work with men who suffer from depression.

【 授权许可】

Unknown