Changes in perceptions of masculinity among men who have sought help: A grounded theory study

Most of the research to date on masculinity has concentrated on the negative effects that adherence to hegemonic masculine values has on the lives of men and those around them. These men tend to take more risks, use more drugs and alcohol, are more violent, and die at a much higher rate from suicide than women. One of the detrimental effects of adherence to such values is the resistance of men to seeking help that might improve or even save their lives. However, many men, even men who adhere to hegemonic values, do seek help. No research reviewed for this study examined how men's attitudes about themselves and their masculinity might have changed after seeking socially sanctioned help (SSH). The purpose of this study was to examine men's perceptions and experiences of what it means to them to be a man, how those perceptions and experiences changed since seeking SSH for life challenges, and the ways in which men relate to those changes.;Nine men who sought SSH were interviewed for this study. The theoretical construct that emerged views men as having a set of Man Rules and employing implementation strategies and judging processes in the service of these rules. These processes interact to produce resulting emotions. After seeking assistance, all the men reported greater awareness and acceptance of self and others, and expressing a much wider array of emotions. The men also reported positive shifts in the emotions they experienced. These changes were concomitant with the changes participants reported to their Man Rules that allowed for the expression of emotions and for the pursuit of happiness. These changes to their Man Rules were perceived as expanding and enhancing their view of themselves as men. The study also examined the community outreach and clinical implications of the study's theoretical construct.;Key Words. Masculinity, help-seeking, hegemonic masculinity.