JOURNAL ARTICLE

Men's peer support for mental health challenges: future directions for research and practice.

  • Published In: Health Promotion International, 2024, v. 39, n. 3. P. 1 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Sharp, Paul; Zhu, Patricia; Ogrodniczuk, John S; McKenzie, Sarah K; Seidler, Zac E; Rice, Simon M; Oliffe, John L 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines the role of peer support in men's mental health promotion, highlighting its potential to align with masculine values and overcome barriers to professional help-seeking. Peer support, defined as non-clinical, mutual, and strength-based assistance among individuals with shared experiences, may offer men a more acceptable avenue for managing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. The article discusses the complexities of men's peer relationships shaped by masculine norms, the diversity in men's help-seeking preferences, and the emerging community- and sports-based peer support programs targeting boys and men. It emphasizes the need for gender-responsive, empirically evaluated interventions that foster authentic, reciprocal peer connections while addressing challenges related to masculine socialization and the safe delivery of peer support. Future research directions include exploring diverse men's experiences, evaluating community-based peer support effectiveness, and developing training to support safe and sustainable peer-led mental health initiatives.

Additional Information

  • Source:Health Promotion International. 2024/06, Vol. 39, Issue 3, p1
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0957-4824
  • DOI:10.1093/heapro/daae046
  • Accession Number:178184710
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