How Masculinity Impedes African American Men From Seeking Mental Health Treatment

• Published in: American journal of men's health Vol. 18; no. 5; p. 15579883241278846
• Main Authors: Johnson, Arnai, Amonoo, Leslie, Lofton, Saria, Powell-Roach, Keesha L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-09-2024; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Adult; African Americans; Black or African American - psychology; Humans; Male; Masculinity; Mental disorders; Mental Disorders - ethnology; Mental Disorders - psychology; Mental Disorders - therapy; Mental Health and Wellbeing; Mental health care; Mental Health Services; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - ethnology; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States; Young Adult; United States; men’s health; masculinity; systemic treatment; mental health; African American men
• ISSN: 1557-9883; 1557-9891; 1557-9891
• DOI: 10.1177/15579883241278846

This study addresses the pronounced mental health disparities faced by African American men, characterized by the heightened severity of mental health conditions and their reluctance to seek mental health treatment. Persistent neglect toward the mental health of African American men perpetuates systemic inequities and heightens the stigma surrounding mental well-being within their communities. This study investigates the interaction of masculinity, distrust in doctors, and parental support on attitudes influencing African American men’s reluctance to seek mental health care. A survey administered to 74 African American men revealed a negative correlation between masculinity and attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment. In contrast, no significant correlations were found between distrust in doctors and parental support on attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment. These findings were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, underscoring the urgent need to address masculine norms in mental health discourse among African American men. Implications of the findings and future directions for masculinity in African American men are discussed.