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Published on: July 19, 2017
Men's anxiety: A systematic review
Krista Fisher1, Zac E Seidler1, Kylie King2
1Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Men experience unique anxiety profiles, often relying on self-reliance and problem-solving coping strategies. Masculinity norms influence anxiety, and seeking help can lead to stigma, highlighting the need for targeted research.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Research
- Psychiatry
- Sociology of Masculinity
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in men, yet specific research on male experiences remains limited.
- This review addresses the gap by examining anxiety symptoms, help-seeking behaviors, coping mechanisms, and the influence of masculinity in men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current research on men's anxiety disorders.
- To explore the relationship between masculinity norms and anxiety in men.
- To identify gaps in research and inform clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature.
- Searched four electronic databases, identifying 8,333 citations.
- Included 25 studies utilizing quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches.
Main Results:
- Men exhibit distinct anxiety profiles, including psychosomatic symptoms, with a tendency towards self-reliance over formal help-seeking.
- Masculinity norms impact anxiety: toughness may be protective, while emotional restrictiveness and heterosexual presentation norms are associated with increased anxiety.
- Help-seeking for anxiety often conflicts with masculinity norms, leading to social and self-stigma.
Conclusions:
- Anxiety is persistent in men, with potential under-reporting, particularly in younger populations.
- Inconsistent measurement scales and limited research on specific disorders (panic, phobias) are noted limitations.
- Targeted research on men's lived experiences and coping strategies is crucial for improving clinical care and public health initiatives.
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