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Engaging Australian men in masculinity and suicide – A concept test of social media materials and a website
Author(s) -
Schlichthorst Marisa,
King Kylie,
Turnure Jackie,
Phelps Andrea,
Pirkis Jane
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1002/hpja.246
Subject(s) - masculinity , health promotion , psychological intervention , social media , promotion (chess) , suicide prevention , intervention (counseling) , mental health , medicine , psychology , poison control , public relations , public health , nursing , sociology , gender studies , political science , politics , psychiatry , environmental health , law
Issue addressed Men dominate the suicide statistics and are less likely than women to seek help for emotional problems, and this has been linked to aspects of stoic masculinity. Promoting help‐seeking and challenging stoic thinking may help to address this problem, but it is unclear what works in engaging men in these topics. Methods We developed a multimedia intervention called Man Up – including a documentary and digital campaign. We tested promotional materials and the website by interviewing 17 men from different ages and backgrounds about their perceptions, and asked them whether the materials generated interest in the topics of the documentary. Results Participants preferred visual materials that were relatable to them and included active and direct language. This helped them to understand and identify with the messages being imparted. Participants had mixed views on talking about masculinity and the use of the term “man up,” with some expressing interest and others being deterred by it. Sharing content about mental health and suicide was seen by some as a risk to personal reputation and their relationships with others. Conclusions Our findings informed the design of targeted materials for the national Man Up campaign and website which were then used in a multilevel national health promotion intervention in Australia. So what? Our study provided valuable insights beyond Man Up for those seeking to design and deliver health promotion interventions targeting Australian men and engage in sensitive and stigmatised male health issues. Using active and empowering language was especially important when addressing men which contrasts with many promotional materials currently available.