Using Concept Mapping to Operationalize Mental Well-Being for Men and Boys
Roxann McNeish1, Connie Walker1, Oliver Massey1
1Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
American Journal of Community Psychology
|March 1, 2020
Summary
This study defines mental well-being for men and boys using a community-based approach. Key aspects include positive self-worth, community support, and safety, aiding prevention program assessment.
Area of Science:
- Community Health
- Men's Mental Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Prevention interventions aim to enhance well-being and quality of life.
- Well-being and mental well-being are often poorly defined, especially for specific populations.
- A male-centered, community-based perspective is needed to understand men's mental well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To operationalize mental well-being for men and boys from a community perspective.
- To identify key components of mental well-being relevant to men and boys.
- To provide a framework for assessing community-based prevention programs for men and boys.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a participatory concept mapping approach.
- Involved 90 participants from study communities.
- Developed and sorted 96 statements related to men's mental well-being.
Main Results:
- Identified an 8-cluster solution for mental well-being in men and boys.
- Key clusters include positive self-worth, supportive community, community connections, positive masculinity, responsive institutions, strong social connection, dignity and respect, and safety.
- These clusters were categorized into socio-environmental and emotional well-being domains.
Conclusions:
- The eight identified clusters provide a robust operational definition of mental well-being for men and boys.
- This framework can guide the development and evaluation of targeted community-based prevention efforts.
- Understanding these specific aspects is crucial for improving men's and boys' overall well-being.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Self-Concept
1.3K
Self-concept is the cognitive and emotional understanding individuals hold about their identity. It evolves through various developmental stages, beginning in infancy and maturing as children grow. This concept influences how individuals perceive their abilities, interact with others, and manage challenges throughout life.
Infancy and Emerging Recognition
During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...
Infancy and Emerging Recognition
During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...
1.3K
01:20Understanding Self-Concept
151
The self-concept encompasses individuals' beliefs about themselves, structured through cognitive frameworks known as self-schemas. These schemas function as mental representations of specific traits or behaviors, influencing how self-relevant information is perceived, processed, and remembered. For example, individuals who are schematic for body weight are more likely to interpret routine experiences—such as dining out or shopping—through the lens of that trait. Conversely, those...
151
01:29Concepts of Health and Illness
16.8K
Health is a condition of the body, mind, and spirit where an individual remains free from illness. Similarly, wellness is an active state, including living a lifestyle that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health. Physical health is critical for the overall well-being and can be affected by lifestyle, activity level, diet, and behavior. The highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental and universal human right. Consider Lisa, a fifteen-year-old born with congenital...
16.8K
01:24Concepts and Prototypes
444
The human nervous system handles vast amounts of information by translating sensory stimuli into neural impulses, which the brain processes, creating thoughts expressed through language or stored as memories. The brain also synthesizes information from emotions and memories, which significantly influence thoughts and behaviors. This intricate process creates a comprehensive mental picture.
The brain organizes this information using concepts, which are mental categories grouping linguistic data,...
The brain organizes this information using concepts, which are mental categories grouping linguistic data,...
444
01:30Community Based Intervention
233
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
233
01:30Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
218
Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...
218