Author: Simon Preuss-Kearney | Edited by Abbie Simmons
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology revealed that men categorically seek counselling less than women. According to the Psychology of Men and Masculinity, traditional norms of masculinity are obstacles for men seeking out counselling services. Invulnerability, toughness aggressiveness and competitiveness are common characteristics of masculinity. Judith Jordan, notes that men have been deprived of the opportunity to have their relational needs met, and the expectation of men to be independent ultimately leads to disconnection. Society often perceives feminine qualities in men as a display of defencelessness and fragility, therefore the emotional vulnerability required during counselling sessions can generate a perceived negative impact on one’s masculinity and result in shame. Research by The Journal of Effective Disorders also addressed the association between men viewing themselves as failing to meet the ideal masculine role prescribed by society, and mental health problems such as social anxiety and low self-esteem.
A research paper titled ‘How can you be strong all the time?’ highlights the impact of masculinity on therapy practices, revealing that men who maintain strict control over their emotions and identify with stoicism—being silent and strong—are negatively affected by these beliefs. The study found that male university students at a counselling and psychotherapy clinic reported struggling to express and share their feelings while trying to uphold their masculine identities during discussions with counsellors.
However, Lea Winerman states that research has historically focused on negative aspects of masculinity and why men seek counselling such as sexual violence, male dominance and social differences between men and women. The Journal of Men’s Studies found that this focus leads to the perception that counselling only focuses on men’s flaws or only appropriate to address a man’s negative attributes or behaviours. The journal found that this disproportionate focus on negatives can widen the gap between men and counselling services.
Academic research by Jo River and Michael Flood explores the emotional turmoil faced by Australian men who have attempted suicide. River and Flood suggest that from a young age, these men may have learned that showing emotions like sadness diminished their masculine status. Yet, expressing anger and engaging in violent acts may have been seen to bolster their masculine standing.
As these men grew older, the inability to conceal distress or the consequences of anger and violence led to broken relationships, job losses, and even legal trouble. For many, suicide became a perceived escape from the overwhelming emotions they felt incapable of managing.
Depiction of a man entering therapy office: Nadine Mendis. Background – Adobe Firefly.com
Am J Men’s Health revealed that counselling philosophy was designed for and is skewed towards women. The journal states that when counselling men, working with a strengths-based perspective disallows focus on shame and the negative aspects of masculinity, leading to a more congruent approach.
In conclusion, the intricate relationship between masculinity and the willingness of men to seek therapy underscores a crucial societal challenge. Traditional norms that valorise invulnerability and emotional stoicism not only inhibit men’s access to mental health resources but also contribute to a broader cycle of emotional disconnection and distress.
As research exemplifies, men who fail to conform to masculine ideals often face heightened mental health issues, yet the prevailing therapeutic frameworks have historically marginalized their experiences.
To bridge this gap, a paradigm shift is necessary—one that acknowledges the strengths and positive dimensions of masculinity while creating an inclusive, non-judgmental space for emotional expression.
Western Sydney University offers many resources to students seeking support for mental health challenges.
Counselling, Welfare, and Disability Support: 1300 668 370 (option 5) Counselling Service: 1300 668 370 (option 5), counselling@westernsydney.edu.au Disability Service: 1300 668 370 (option 5), disability@westernsydney.edu.au Student Welfare Service: 1300 668 370, welfareservice@westernsydney.edu.au Campus Safety & Security: 1300 737 003 Talk Campus: 24/7 Global Peer Support Network External support services Mensline Australia: free telephone and online counselling to Australian men, 24 hours a week, 7 days a week 1300 78 99 78 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Lifeline: 13 11 14 – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for crisis support headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation: information and resources for young people, family and friends. 1800 650 890 (9am - 1am daily). For webchat visit org.au/eheadspace
Abbie Simmons is an emerging editor at W'SUP who is studying a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in journalism. Abbie is proudly the inaugural recipient of the Pasifika Achievement To Higher Education (PATHE) Scholarship. Journalism allows Abbie to explore a broad range of interests like history, literature, law, music, social justice, fashion, social media commentary and lifestyle through storytelling and investigative reporting. When she's not writing you can find her attending live music events and finding the best matcha + thrifting spots.
Her hot take is that Charli XCX is more famous than Taylor Swift.
