RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Masculinity norms play a crucial role in men's help-seeking behaviors, service-use, and coping strategies for depression. While previous studies provided evidence for the association between gender role orientations, work related attitudes, stigmatization of men with depression and depressive symptoms, it remains unclear to what extent gender role orientations change over time and whether psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment have an impact on these transformations. Additionally, the role of partners in supporting depressed men and the impact of dyadic coping on these processes have not been explored. The aim of this study is to investigate how masculinity orientations and work-related attitudes change over time in men treated for depression, and to examine the role of their partners and dyadic coping in these transformation processes. METHODS: TRANSMODE is a prospective longitudinal mixed-methods study investigating the transformation of masculinity orientations and work-related attitudes in men treated for depression between the ages of 18 and 65 from different settings in Germany. The study will recruit 350 men from various settings for quantitative analysis. By applying a latent transition analysis, the primary outcome are changes in masculine orientations and work-related attitudes over time, measured at four times (t0, t1, t2, t3) with intervals of 6 months. Qualitative interview with a subsample of depressed men selected using latent profile analysis, will be conducted between t0 and t1 (a1) with a follow-up of 12 months (a2). In addition, qualitative interviews with the partners of depressed men will be conducted between t2 and t3 (p1). Qualitative data will be analysed using qualitative structured content analysis. DISCUSSION: A comprehensive understanding of the transformation processes of masculinity orientations over time including the impact of psychiatric/psychotherapeutic treatment and the role of partners can lead to the development of gender-sensitive depression treatment tailored to the unique needs of men with depression. Thus, the study can promote more effective and successful treatment outcomes and further contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues among men and encourage them for mental health service use. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered in the German Clinical Trail Register (DRKS) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) under registration number DRKS00031065 (Date of registration 06 February 2023).
Assuntos
Depressão , Masculinidade , Masculino , Humanos , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Depressão/terapia , Estudos Prospectivos , Homens , Atitude , Estudos Observacionais como AssuntoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The underestimation of depression among men may result from atypical depression symptoms and male help-seeking behaviour. However, higher suicide rates among men than among women indicate a need for gender-specific services for men with depression. In order to develop gender-specific services, it is essential to examine professionals' attitudes towards men's depressive symptoms and treatment needs as well as barriers to and facilitators of treatment. This study examined gender-specific treatment needs in male patients and treatment approaches to male patients from a professional perspective. METHODS: Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 33 mental health professionals (MHPs) from five German psychiatric institutions. The study assessed the characteristics and attributes of male patients with depression risk factors for the development of depression among men, their condition at the beginning of treatment, male patients' depressive symptoms, the needs and expectations of male patients, the importance of social networks in a mental health context, and MHPs' treatment aims and treatment methods. Transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The professionals' reference group of male patients were men who were characterised in accordance with traditional masculinity. Attributes reported as in line with this type of men were late initiations of inpatient treatment after crisis, suicidal ideation or attempted suicide, and high expectations towards treatment duration, success rate in recovery and therapeutic sessions. In contrast, male patients who deviate from these patterns were partially described with reference to female stereotypes. Professionals referred to psychosocial models in their explanations of the causes of depression and provided sociological explanations for the development of masculine ideals among men. The consequences of these for treatment were discussed against the background of normative expectations regarding the male gender. From the professionals' point of view, psychoeducation and the acceptance of depression (as a widespread mental illness) were the most important goals in mental health treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In order to improve mental health among men, gender-specific services should be offered. Awareness of the role of gender and its implications on mental health treatment should be an integral part of MHPs' education and their daily implementation of mental health treatment practices.
Assuntos
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Depressão/psicologia , Depressão/terapia , Homens/psicologia , Saúde Mental/estatística & dados numéricos , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Adulto , Atenção à Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Depressão/epidemiologia , Feminino , Alemanha/epidemiologia , Humanos , Masculino , Masculinidade , Saúde do Homem/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pacientes/psicologia , Pacientes/estatística & dados numéricos , Suicídio/psicologia , Suicídio/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Health care employees in Germany and worldwide are exposed to a variety of stressors. However, most of the hospitals in Germany lack a systematic workplace health management. Thus, this study aims at the evaluation of the effects of a behavioural as well as organisational (´complex´) intervention on the mental health and well-being of hospital staff. METHODS: Mental health in the hospital workplace (SEElische GEsundheit am Arbeitsplatz KrankeNhaus - SEEGEN) is an unblinded, multi-centred cluster-randomised open trial with two groups (intervention group (IG) and waitlist control group (CG)). Study participants in the intervention clusters will receive the complex intervention; study participants in the waitlist control clusters will receive the complex intervention after the last follow-up measurement. The intervention consists of five behavioural and organisational intervention modules that are specifically tailored to hospital employees at different hierarchical and functional levels. Hospital staff may select one specific module according to their position and specific needs or interests. Towards the end of the intervention roundtable discussions with representatives from all professional groups will be held to facilitate organisational change. Primary outcome is the change in emotional and cognitive strain in the working environment, from baseline (T0) to 6 month-follow up (T1), between IG and CG. In addition, employees who do not participate in the modules are included in the trial by answering shorter questionnaires (cluster participants). Furthermore, using mixed methods, a process evaluation will identify uptake of the intervention, and mediators and moderators of the effect. DISCUSSION: There seems to be growing psychological strain on people working in the health care sector worldwide. This study will examine whether investing directly in the hospital staff and their interpersonal relationship may lead to measurable benefits in subjective well-being at the workplace and improved economic performance indicators of the hospital. In case of a positive outcome, health promotion strategies looking at behavioural as well as organisational components within the hospital may gain additional importance, especially in regard of the growing financial pressure within the health sector. TRIAL REGISTRATION DRKS: The SEEGEN study is registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS) under the DRKS-ID DRKS00017249. Registered 08 October 2019, URL. https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00017249.
Assuntos
Saúde Mental/estatística & dados numéricos , Saúde Ocupacional , Recursos Humanos em Hospital/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Alemanha , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Recursos Humanos em Hospital/estatística & dados numéricos , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Projetos de Pesquisa , Estresse Psicológico/psicologia , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Adults with an intellectual disability should be supported according to their individual needs. The perception of need, however, is influenced by the values and expectations of the judging person. METHOD: Using the Camberwell Assessment of Need for Adults with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, self- and proxy-rated needs of n = 193 adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability were compared. RESULTS: Mean total needs and met needs, but not unmet needs, differed significantly between perspectives. As concerns the assessment of specific areas of need, indices revealed a complex and multifaceted pattern of agreement and disagreement. CONCLUSION: Different viewpoints should be considered when assessing needs among adults with intellectual disability. With respect to areas other than basic, everyday areas of need, involvement of the adult with intellectual disability is strongly recommended. The assessment of mental health problems requires the involvement of clinical professionals, assessing problem behavior broad diagnostic measures beyond a standardized instrument.
Assuntos
Necessidades e Demandas de Serviços de Saúde , Deficiência Intelectual/psicologia , Avaliação das Necessidades , Adolescente , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Social Networks of Children with Mentally Ill Parents Mental illness of parents can be a load situation for children. Supporting social relations might be an important source in such a situation. Social relations can be shown by social network analysis. Studies about social networks and mental health indicate differences regarding structure and potential for support when compared with social networks of healthy individuals. If and how mental illness of parents has an impact on their children's network is widely unknown. This systematic review shows methods and results of studies about social networks of children with mentally ill parents. By systematic search in electronic databases as well as manual search, two studies were found who met the target criteria. Both studies were conducted in the USA. Results of studies indicate that parental mental illness affects the state of mental health and social networks of children. Symptomatology of children changed due to perceived social support of network contacts. Impact of social support and strong network contacts seems to depend on age of children and the family situation. That's why support offers should be adapt to children's age. Focusing on social networks as potential resource for support and needs of the family affected seems appropriate during treatment.
Assuntos
Filho de Pais com Deficiência/psicologia , Transtornos Mentais/psicologia , Apoio Social , Adolescente , Fatores Etários , Criança , Feminino , Alemanha , Humanos , Masculino , Fatores de Proteção , Transtorno Reativo de Vinculação na Infância/diagnóstico , Transtorno Reativo de Vinculação na Infância/psicologia , Fatores de Risco , Autoimagem , Fatores Sexuais , Meio Social , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The qualitative study aims to explore reasons and occations for concealment in male participants with depression. METHODS: Five focus groups with 16 men were analysed via Qualitative Content Analysis. RESULTS: Four motives of concealment have been explored: 1. continuity of professional career, 2. Ensure acceptance and social belonging, 3. control over social identity, 4. avoiding loads of personal environment. Participants differentiate from stereotypes of hegemonic male gender norms. However, participants connect to hegemonic male gender norms when attributing professional success with vigour and assertiveness. CONCLUSION: Results confirm the presence of hegemonic male gender norms particularly on the job. As a consequence, men with depressiopn replicate self- and social stigma if they fail to comply with hegemonic male gender roles. Workplace interventions that react to discrimination of mental health problems may be beneficial for men with depression.
Assuntos
Grupos Focais , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estigma Social , Transtorno Depressivo/psicologia , Transtorno Depressivo/diagnóstico , Alemanha , Revelação da Verdade , Autorrevelação , Motivação , Identidade de Gênero , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Controle Interno-Externo , Estereotipagem , Identificação SocialRESUMO
This systematic review examines moderators and mediators tested in evaluations of stress management interventions for hospital employees to determine their significance for intervention outcomes. To be included, studies had to comprise a moderator or mediator analysis and a quantitative assessment of stress or mental well-being, and to be published in English or German language. Five databases (APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science) were searched. Moderators and mediators were categorised thematically and examined using effect direction plots. Study quality was assessed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I. In fifteen included studies, 22 moderators and ten mediators were identified. Moderators and mediators were categorised into individual psychological factors (14), socio-economic status (6), work situation (5), intervention (3), and duration of employment (3). Two moderators (perceived stressfulness of residency, job control) had a positive, two a negative impact (spirituality, socially desirable responding). One moderator (years of professional experience) had a positive and negative impact. Three moderators measured on categorical scales (gender, profession, and shiftwork) also had effects, favouring women, physicians and night-shift employees. Five mediators (adherence to intervention, mindfulness, non-reactivity to inner experience, total observing, and self-compassion) had a positive impact, while three (isolation, over-identification, psychological inflexibility) had a negative impact. In conclusion, effects of interventions were predominantly driven by individual psychological factors, while the role of other variables seems to be limited. Interventions focussing on primary or tertiary prevention were rare. Also processes through which organisational-level interventions can be most effective have been hardly investigated. Larger and methodologically robust studies are needed to better understand causal pathways and optimise matching of interventions to target groups.
Assuntos
Recursos Humanos em Hospital , Médicos , Humanos , Feminino , Saúde Mental , HospitaisRESUMO
Background: Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital workers faced a tremendous workload. The pandemic led to different and additional strain that negatively affected the well-being of employees. This study aims to explore psychosocial resources and strategies that were used by hospital staff. Methods: In the context of an intervention study, employees of three German hospitals were questioned in writing in summer and fall 2020. Five open-ended questions about the pandemic were asked to capture corresponding effects on daily work routine. Answers of 303 participants were evaluated using structuring qualitative content analysis. Results: Significant stressors and resources were identified in the areas of work content and task, social relations at work, organization of work, work environment and individual aspects. Stressors included, for example, emotional demands, conflicts, an increased workload, time and performance pressure. Important resources mentioned were, among others, the exchange with colleagues and mutual support. Sound information exchange, clear processes and guidelines and a positive work atmosphere were also important. In addition, the private environment and a positive mindset were perceived as helpful. Conclusion: This study contributes to a differentiated understanding of existing psychosocial resources of hospital staff in times of crisis. Identifying and strengthening these resources could reduce stress and improve well-being, making hospital staff better prepared for both normal operations and further crisis situations.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Pandemias , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Recursos Humanos em Hospital/psicologia , Hospitais , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Children of families with a parent with a mental illness have an increased risk of developing social and mental health problems resulting in decreased quality of life. Therefore, children and adolescents living in families with a parent with mental illness are regarded as a target group for preventive interventions. To date, only a few economic evaluation studies for interventions directed at preventing the intergenerational transmission of mental health problems exist. In this investigation we estimated the cost utility of an intervention for the support of children and adolescents with a parent having a mental illness from the perspective of the German health and social care system. METHODS: We randomly assigned a total of 214 families with 337 children and adolescents to the intervention (INT) group (108/170) or the control (TAU) group (106/167). Families in the intervention group received on average eight intervention sessions (50-90 min) over 6 months. We estimated total cost of illness by means of the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service Receipt Inventory (CAMHSRI) over 24 months. For the estimation of Quality-Adjusted Live Years (QALYs) we applied the KIDSCREEN-10. For estimating the incremental cost-utility of the intervention compared to treatment as usual we used the net-benefit approach. RESULTS: We estimated the annual cost of illness amounting to 3784.59 (SD 8581.11) in the TAU group and 3264.44 (SD 9431.89) in the INT group. The annual cost difference between INT and TAU was - 516.14 (SE 1124.95) which was not significant (p ≤ 0.05). We estimated the average QALY to be 0.759 (SD 0.073) in the TAU group and 0.763 (SD 0.072). The QALY difference between INT and TAU was 0.0037 (SE 0.0092) which was not significant (p ≤ 0.05). The incremental cost utility ratio (ICUR) indicated that the gain of one additional year in full health by means of the intervention was associated with the saving of 139.49. However, the stochastic insecurity of the ICUR did not allow a unique decision about the cost-utility of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: More information on the economic value of the intervention for families with a parent with mental illness in comparison to treatment as usual in Germany is needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02308462; German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00006806.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the experiences of depressed fathers in dealing with their depressive disorder in the family. METHODS: 17 semi-structured narrative interviews were conducted and analyzed following a Grounded Theory Approach. RESULTS: Fathers describe individual coping strategies in dealing with their depressive disorder that aim at independently coping from their family (self-management, [non])disclosure of the disorder). CONCLUSION: Fathers should be supported in (the decision-making process of) disclosing their illness to the family and developing coping strategies that take family needs further into account.
Assuntos
Depressão , Pai , Masculino , Humanos , Alemanha , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Adaptação PsicológicaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Workplace exposures are considered to be high in hospital staff. Workplace interventions might be an appropriate way to reduce workplace exposures. Therefore, views of hospital staff on reasons and implications of workplace exposures were assessed and consequences for workplace interventions were considered. METHODS: Six focus groups and seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 members of hospital staff in total. Qualitative Content Analysis was performed. RESULTS: Stress occurs due to a lack of personnel, high workload, missing common-rooms for breaks and lunch, missing communication, a lack of clarity in work processes, team conflicts and a lack of appreciation. Social support, work breaks, reduction of working hours, physical activity and empowerment were mentioned as factors leading to stress reduction. CONCLUSION: Possible stress reduction by means of problem-related coping and emotional coping depending on hospital structure and culture.
Assuntos
Adaptação Psicológica , Local de Trabalho , Alemanha , Hospitais , Humanos , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Local de Trabalho/psicologiaRESUMO
Family functioning is often impaired in families with a parent with mental illness and is linked to child mental health. This study aims to gain a better understanding of family functioning in affected families by comparing ratings among family members and by analyzing associations with clinician-rated family functioning. The cross-sectional sample comprised 210 families with ratings of 207 patients, 139 partners, and 100 children. Parents with a mental illness as well as their partners and children completed the German version of the Family Assessment Measure (FAM). Clinician ratings were obtained by the Global Assessment of Relational Functioning Scale (GARF). We conducted several mixed models to compare ratings of family functioning while accounting for family cluster. Family dysfunction was consistently elevated compared to a normative sample. On several domains, parents with a mental illness perceived family functioning to be worse compared to their partners and children. Partners and children did not differ in their perceptions of family functioning. Ratings of family members were moderately associated with clinician ratings. We discuss the importance of multi-informant assessment of family functioning and the implementation of family-based interventions for families with a parent with mental illness.
Assuntos
Filho de Pais com Deficiência , Transtornos Mentais , Criança , Estudos Transversais , Família , HumanosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Children of parents with mental illness have a higher risk of developing mental health problems when compared with the general population. Therefore, families with parents with mental illness are a suitable target group for selective prevention. In order to plan and evaluate the health economic consequences of preventive interventions for this target group, data on the societal costs related to parenthood under the condition of mental disorders are needed. To date, within Germany there has been a lack of research evaluating the costs of mental health treatment and use of social services by children and adolescents with parents with mental illness. METHODS: As part of a multicentre randomised controlled trial, use and costs of health and social services were assessed for a sample of 332 children and adolescents with parents with mental illness in six regions of Germany. Service use at baseline was assessed by the German version of the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service Receipt Inventory. Costs were calculated for 12 months based on diagnosis and service user status and described separately. Cost drivers were identified by means of a two-part regression model. RESULTS: Total mean costs for 12 months for the total sample amount of 3736.35 (95% CI: 2816.84-4813.83) per person. Children with a psychiatric diagnosis generated a total of 5691.93 (95% CI: 4146.27-7451.38) of costs per person, compared to 1245.01 (95% CI: 657.44-1871.49) for children without a psychiatric diagnosis. The logit part indicates significant odds ratios for individual functioning and diagnosis of the child as well as for family functioning. The linear part reveals that increasing individual functioning in the child is related to decreasing costs. CONCLUSIONS: Children of families with parents with mental illness use a broad spectrum of mental health care, school-based support and youth welfare services even if they are not yet diagnosed as having a mental disorder. Further research should examine whether these institutions are sufficiently qualified and interlinked to meet the support needs of this vulnerable group. Trial registration The study was registered at the 07/10/2014 before the start of data collection (04/11/2014) at the German clinical trials register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS, nr: DRKS00006806, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00006806 ).
RESUMO
Offspring of mentally ill parents is at heightened risk for psychological symptoms. The identification of environmental factors that predict their mental health is crucial for the development of preventive and therapeutic measures. In the current study, we addressed the combined role of family functioning and social support by taking mentally ill patients', their partners', and children's perspectives into account. The cross-sectional sample included n=195 families (195 patients, 127 partners, and 295 children). Family members completed questionnaires related to family functioning, social support as well as parental and child psychopathology. We conducted multilevel analyses to investigate the associations with internalizing and externalizing problems in children. Family functioning and social support were significantly associated with child internalizing and externalizing problems. However, results varied depending on the rating perspective. We found significant interaction effects of family functioning and social support on child psychopathology. The findings point to the importance of family functioning and social support as potential targets for interventions. Findings should be replicated in future longitudinal studies.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Mental health and stress prevention aspects related to workplace in hospitals are gaining increasingly more attention in research. The workplace hospital is characterized by high work intensity, high emotional demands, and high levels of stress. These conditions can be a risk for the development of mental disorders. Leadership styles can hinder or foster work-related stress and influence the well-being of employees. Through leadership interventions, leaders may be encouraged to develop a stress-preventive leadership style that addresses both, the well-being of the leaders and of the subordinates. A comprehensive qualitative description of leaders' experiences with interventions on the topic of stress-preventive leadership is yet missing in the literature. Therefore, we address leaders of middle management regarding the development of stress-preventive leadership styles through supporting interventions. The research questions are: How do leaders of middle management perceive their leadership role in terms of effectiveness in stress prevention? Which potentials and limits in the implementation of stress-preventive leadership are experienced? METHODS: The study follows a qualitative research design and content analysis. We conducted individual interviews with leaders of middle management (n = 30) of a tertiary hospital in Germany for the participatory development of an intervention. This intervention, consisting of five consecutive modules, addressed leaders of middle management in all work areas within one hospital. After participation in the intervention, the leaders were asked to reflect on and evaluate the implementation of the contents learned within focus group discussions. Overall 10 focus group discussions with leaders (n = 60) were conducted. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that leaders of middle management perceived potentials for a stress-preventive leadership style (e.g., reflection on leadership role and leadership behavior, awareness/mindfulness, and conveying appreciation). However, limits were also mentioned. These can be differentiated into self-referential, subordinate-related, and above all organizational barriers for the implementation of stress-preventive leadership. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the organizational barriers can be addressed by mid-level leadership interventions (e.g., lack of peer-exchange) or possibly by adapted leadership interventions for top management (e.g., lack of stress-preventive leadership styles in top level management). Other organizational limits are working conditions (e.g., staff shortage) that can only be influenced by health policy decisions.
RESUMO
The relevance of coping behavior for the individual's own mental health has been widely investigated. However, research on the association between coping of parents with a mental illness and their children's mental health is scarce. In the current study, we address the role of several parental coping strategies and their relation to child psychological symptoms. As part of the German randomized controlled multicenter study CHIMPS (children of mentally ill parents), parents with mental illness completed questionnaires on illness-related coping and child mental health symptoms. Children's diagnoses of a mental disorder were assessed with diagnostic interviews. The sample comprised n = 195 parents with mental illness and n = 290 children and adolescents aged 4-18 years. We conducted mixed models to investigate the associations of parental coping strategies with internalizing and externalizing symptoms as well as the diagnosis of a mental disorder in children controlling for sociodemographic factors and parental symptom severity. Parental coping characterized by religiosity and quest for meaning was significantly associated with fewer mental health symptoms and lower odds of a mental disorder in children, whereas a depressed processing style was related to increased internalizing problems in the children. Coping behavior in parents with mental illness is a relevant factor for the mental health of their children and should be considered in preventive interventions.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To meet mental health needs in men with depression, gender sensitive services are needed and recommended. Therefore, mental health professionals' views on care needs among men with depression that should be met by gender-sensitive services were assessed and consequences for inpatient treatment are considered. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 mental health professionals focusing on men's specific needs in depression treatment against the background of male gender role expectations. Qualitative Content Analysis was performed using MAXqda-Software. RESULTS: Men with depression benefit from individual talk with staff and structured activity during treatment. Men-only groups are assessed as enabling critical reflection of aspects of masculinity. Physical activities and handicraft enable men to examine their performance level. Services focusing on men's specific needs are assessed as helpful but largely inexistent. CONCLUSION: Expectations of social gender roles and their implications for mental health treatment should be considered in both mental health professional training and mental health treatment.
Assuntos
Depressão , Saúde Mental , Alemanha , Humanos , Pacientes Internados , Masculino , MasculinidadeRESUMO
PURPOSE: A traditional male role orientation is considered to increase the risk of depression and preventing men from disclosing symptoms of mental illness and seeking professional help. Less is known about the variance of masculinity orientations in men already treated for depression and their role in the treatment process. In this study, patterns of masculinity norms and work role orientations will be identified among men treated for depression. Associations of these patterns with depressive symptoms, stigma and delay in professional help-seeking will be investigated. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, male role orientations (MRNS), work-related attitudes (AVEM), symptoms of mental disorders (PHQ), and attitudes related to stigma of mental illness (DSS) were assessed by standardized methods in a sample of 250 men treated for depression in general medical, psychiatric and psychotherapeutic services. Data were analyzed by means of latent profile analysis (LPA), by multinomial and linear regression models, and by path analysis. RESULTS: The results of LPA revealed three latent classes of men treated for depression. Men assigned to class one reported a less traditional male role orientation, low professional ambitions and low coping capacities; men assigned to class two reported a traditional masculinity orientation, high professional ambitions but low coping capacities; men assigned to class three reported less traditional masculinity tended orientations, medium professional ambitions and high coping capacities. Men assigned to classes one and two to have more stigmatizing attitudes, longer periods of untreated illness and more severe symptoms of mental disorders, in comparison to men assigned to class three. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study reveals that traditional masculinity norms and work-role orientations in men treated for depression are associated with a worse mental health status. Our study results also suggest that a slackening of traditional masculinity norms is associated with improved psychological well-being if it does not coincide with a complete distancing from professional ambitions and a lack of ability to cope with professional stress.
Assuntos
Atitude Frente a Saúde , Depressão/psicologia , Depressão/terapia , Masculinidade , Estigma Social , Estereotipagem , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de SaúdeRESUMO
Background: Many studies indicate that men are more reluctant to seek help for mental health problems than women. Traditional ideas of masculinity are often seen as a cause of this phenomenon. However, little is known about the diversity of experiences during the processes of help-seeking and service use among men with depression who have already utilized mental health services. This study aims to explore men's experiences and attitudes toward depression, help-seeking, and service use in order to develop gender-sensitive services. Methods: Narrative-biographical interviews were conducted with men treated for depression (n = 12). Interview topics included individual experience with depression, help-seeking behavior, and mental health service use. Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Before seeking treatment, men's help-seeking behavior was negatively affected by internalized masculine norms. However, findings indicate a change of attitudes toward depression after mental health service use. Men with depression emphasized a salutogenic perspective toward mental health problems and critically reflected on masculine norms. The positive function of men-only groups were described as key for successful service use. Conclusions: Men with depression reported experiences toward help-seeking and service use on four different levels: (i) attitudes toward depression, (ii) perception of societal views on depression, (iii) experiences within the family context and (iv) experiences with mental health services. Interventions to reduce the stigma of being "unmanly" and to improve men's capacity to cope with being unable to work should be developed. Peer-led men-only groups may increase participants' self-esteem and assist in disclosing weaknesses. In the context of GPs' mediating role, training for health professionals concerning the impact of masculine norms on mental health is recommended.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: In order to develop gender-sensitive services, there is a need to better understand coping among men with depression. The study aims to analyze the meaning of gender- and work-related roles for illness theories and coping among men with depression. METHODS: Based on a latent class analysis of three types of masculinities, biographical interviews were conducted with men with depression (nâ=â12). Transcripts were analyzed using a hermeneutic-reconstructive approach that includes subjective constructions of meaning related to (1) illness theories, (2) coping and (3) help-seeking behavior. RESULTS: Whereas most interviewees reported the role of family-related career orientation as a cause of depression, results differ in terms of coping. While participants partly distanced themselves from external expectations, some tried to keep up their employability. Others perceived their depression as a chance as well as an opportunity to change harmful attitudes. CONCLUSION: Psychiatric services might consider different priorities referring to work and life and their impact on coping with depression among men.