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Men, relationships and partner-initiated break-ups: A narrative analysis
John L Oliffe1,2, Mary T Kelly1, Gabriela Gonzalez Montaner1
1School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Health Psychology Open
|December 1, 2022
Summary
Partner break-ups pose risks for men, including domestic violence and mental health issues. Narrative analysis revealed common struggles, but also pathways to growth through self-reflection and professional support for healthier life transitions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Men's Studies
Background:
- Partner-initiated break-ups present significant risks for men, encompassing domestic violence, mental health challenges, and difficulties navigating life transitions.
- Traditional gender roles and masculinities may influence men's coping mechanisms and experiences during relationship dissolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences and narratives of men following a partner-initiated break-up.
- To identify common patterns in men's responses to relationship endings and understand the challenges they face.
- To examine how men navigate life transitions after a break-up and identify factors contributing to healthy adjustment.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative narrative analysis approach was employed.
- Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 25 men who had experienced a partner-initiated break-up.
- Participant narratives were analyzed to identify recurring themes and storylines.
Main Results:
- Three distinct narrative patterns emerged: 'Ill equipped to stay or to initiate leaving,' 'Victims of circumstance,' and 'Accountability and growth.'
- Men in the first two groups often exhibited conflict aversion, lacked agency, and withdrew emotionally, sometimes amplifying post-break-up conflict.
- The 'Accountability and growth' group demonstrated introspective self-work, utilizing resources like professional help to understand and adjust behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest that men's experiences of partner-initiated break-ups are shaped by narratives influenced by masculinities.
- Interventions, such as narrative therapy, show promise in interrupting unhelpful narratives and supporting men's healthy transitions.
- Tailored support can aid men in deconstructing, understanding, and modifying behaviors to foster personal development and well-being after relationship dissolution.
Keywords:
Masculinitydomestic violence preventionmen’s mental healthmen’s relationshipsnarrative analysisMore Related Videos
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