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The role of masculinities in psychological and emotional help seeking by men with prostate cancer
Goodwin, Belinda C. Ralph, Nicholas Ireland, Michael J. Hyde, Melissa K. Oliffe, John L. Dunn, Jeff Chambers, Suzanne
Goodwin, Belinda C.
Ralph, Nicholas
Ireland, Michael J.
Hyde, Melissa K.
Oliffe, John L.
Dunn, Jeff
Chambers, Suzanne
Abstract
Objective
To assess the impact of demographic characteristics and masculinities on seeking support for psychosocial care needs in men with prostate cancer.
Methods
Prostate cancer survivors (n = 225) completed mail-out surveys measuring psychological care needs, masculinities, and psychological and emotional help-seeking intention and behaviour at 6- and 12-month follow-ups.
Results
Older age was associated with seeking help from a general practitioner (GP), χ2 (1,225) = 4.72, P = .03, and being born overseas was associated with seeking peer support (1,225) = 7.13, P = .01. Men with higher levels of optimistic action who reported moderate to high unmet psychological need were less likely to seek help for psychological and emotional concerns at 6- (odds ratio [OR] = 0.06, confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.46) and 12-month (OR = 0.13, CI, 0.26-0.65) follow-ups.
Conclusions
Optimistic action may explain why some men with prostate cancer fail to seek help for their psychological care needs. Clinicians should be aware that men with chronic illness who appear to approach challenges with optimistic action may in fact be less likely to seek psychological help when needed.
Keywords
masculinities, prostatic neoplasms, psychooncology, psychosocial support systems
Date
2020
Type
Journal article
Journal
Psycho-Oncology
Book
Volume
29
Issue
2
Page Range
356-363
Article Number
ACU Department
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
DOI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled