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Can a documentary increase help-seeking intentions in men? A randomised controlled trial.
Kylie Elizabeth King1, Marisa Schlichthorst1, Matthew J Spittal1
1Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia.
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|November 5, 2017
Summary
A documentary exploring masculinity and mental health significantly increased men's intentions to seek help. This media-based intervention shows promise for improving men's well-being and reducing suicide risk.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Men's Health
- Mental Health Interventions
Background:
- Investigated the impact of a media intervention on men's help-seeking intentions.
- Explored the link between masculinity, mental health, well-being, and suicidality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the documentary 'Man Up' could increase men's intentions to seek help for personal and emotional issues.
- To assess the effectiveness of a media-based public health intervention.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind randomized controlled trial with men aged 18+ not at suicide risk.
- Participants viewed either the 'Man Up' documentary or a control documentary.
- Assessed help-seeking intentions using the General Help Seeking Questionnaire 4 weeks post-viewing.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in intentions to seek help was observed in the 'Man Up' intervention group (coef.=2.06, P=0.01).
- No significant change in help-seeking intentions was found in the control group.
- 337 men completed the study, with 9 lost in the intervention group and 8 in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Media-based public health interventions focusing on traditional masculinity can positively impact men's health outcomes.
- Novel interventions like 'Man Up' show potential for improving men's mental health and well-being.
- This study highlights the effectiveness of targeted media in promoting help-seeking behaviors among men.
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