Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
2 دانشکده ادبیات و علوم انسانی، گروه روان شناسی ، دانشگاه خلیج فارس، بوشهر
Abstract
Background Help-seeking behavior among men in relation to mental health is a complex and multifaceted topic influenced by various factors, including social norms, stigma, and individual beliefs. Methods This phenomenological study explores barriers to psychological help-seeking among men in Bushehr City, Iran, focusing on personal, social, and cultural factors. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 male participants, aged 25 to 45, revealed that the challenge of masculinity serves as a central phenomenon inhibiting help-seeking behaviors. Results Key causal conditions identified include difficulties in identifying and expressing emotions, a desire to maintain secrecy about personal struggles, and societal stigma surrounding mental health. Background factors, such as low mental health literacy and cultural scripts that discourage vulnerability, exacerbate these barriers. Intervening conditions include financial constraints, inadequate accessibility to mental health services, and a lack of supportive environments for counseling. As a consequence, participants often resort to self-treatment, avoidance of issues, or seeking informal help, leading to significant negative outcomes, including personal distress, familial discord, and broader societal issues. Conclusion The findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions that address masculinity norms and enhance mental health literacy, thereby fostering a supportive environment for seeking psychological help among men.
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