Intersecting identities, diverse masculinities, and collaborative development: Considerations in creating online mental health interventions that work for men

Melissa Opozda, Paul Michael Galdas, Daphne Watkins, James Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Online mental health interventions have received attention for their potential to bypass barriers that stop men from seeking mental health help from a health professional. However, emerging data suggest that men's use of online mental health interventions is low, and when used, early attrition is common. In this commentary, we hypothesise that men's common lack of engagement with online mental health interventions may reflect limited attention being paid to the needs and preferences of potential users during their development. We outline a series of considerations that we believe are important to advance the development of acceptable, effective online mental health interventions for men: (1) men's diverse and intersecting characteristics, circumstances, and needs; (2) centring positive, progressive masculinities; and (3) listening to, learning from, and working in partnership with men to develop interventions. We also examine how existing online mental health interventions targeting men have engaged with these considerations.
Original languageEnglish
JournalComprehensive psychiatry
Volume129
Issue number152443
Early online date18 Dec 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2024

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© 2023 The Authors

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