Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World: Gender Differences in Intake Characteristics and Poorer Outcomes Observed for Men

Abstract

Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World (“GA”), a capacity-building, anti-poverty, group-based intervention, is widely used in the United States and internationally. This U.S. nationwide study examines gender differences in intake characteristics and outcomes ( N = 328). Specific focus was on men ( n = 108), because they are often the minority in GA groups and may have different poverty-related risk factors and help-seeking behaviors. At intake, men were more likely to have criminal convictions and substance abuse problems. Outcome comparisons indicated that men had lesser increases in mental health and well-being, social support, hope, and goal-directed behavior and planning throughout participation in GA than did women. Findings suggest that modifications might need to be made to GA to better meet the needs of men.