Help-seeking and masculinity in opposition: A quantitative study investigating the potential of coaching to increase men’s engagement in help-seeking

Abstract

IntroductionMen’s help-seeking behaviours have been highlighted as a major issue in men’s mental health (Robertson & Baker, 2017) with widespread research indicating that aspects of masculine identity hinder men from seeking help with mental health and wellbeing issues (e.g. Berger et al., 2013). Although coaching is not a therapeutic intervention, the approach is aimed at facilitating positive change. As the language around coaching is more closely aligned to masculine identity it is suggested that there is potential to engage more men in seeking help.AimTo investigate the potential of coaching for formal help-seeking among men.MethodsAn online quantitative survey was conducted among 118 men (18+ years), who rated the likelihood of engagement in specified forms of help-seeking in three case studies. The vignette version of the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ-V) was utilised. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 25.Results:Self-help/online, such as books and online resources, was found to be the most likely form of formal help men in this study would seek (M=3.94, SD=1.90). However, coaching was reported as the most likely face-to-face formal source of help (M=3.73, SD=1.39), with a paired sample t-test indicating significantly greater likelihood of attending coaching than the other formal forms of help investigated (p=0.000). Attending coaching was reported as significantly more likely than attending counselling/psychotherapy in all case studies.ImplicationsThis study found that coaching is more appealing to men than traditional forms of help-seeking, thus indicating the potential of coaching for formal help-seeking among men. Coaching, in conjunction with its online capabilities, may have additional potential to engage more men in help-seeking, thereby positively impacting on men’s mental health.