“Cultural attitudes toward mental health can affect men’s willingness to seek help. For example, in cultures where mental illness may be stigmatised or viewed as a sign of weakness, may lead to lower engagement with digital mental health interventions.”
Psychotherapeutic digital interventions are increasingly important for addressing mental health disorders intervolving landscape of mental health treatment. In a recent study, we provided insights into the role of digital mental health interventions on mental health outcomes in men. Below is an overview of our findings, organisedas a Q&A.
Based on your study’s findings, what are the implications of psychotherapeutic e-mental health interventionswithrespect to the long-term outcomes of men’s mental health?
Digital mental health interventions may have multifaceted impacts mental health outcomes in men. In oursystematicreview and meta-analysis, we identified the following:
Short-term effectiveness: Internet-based interventions, in particular, those that are guided, have similarefficacyto face-to-face therapy for treating anxiety and depression in men. These interventions may lead toclinicallysignificant improvements in mental health symptoms in the short term.
Long-term effectiveness: The research on long-term effectiveness of digital mental health interventions isininfancy. Some studies have indicated lasting effects particularly, when combined with ongoing support orfollow-ups.However, effectiveness also varies with age, ethnicity, and cultural backgrounds, as well as the severityof initialsymptoms. For instance, younger men who are more comfortable with technology might experience better longtermoutcomes compared to older men.
Comparison with traditional therapy:
Traditional face-to-face therapy offers certain advantages, such as personalised interaction and thetherapeuticrelationship, which are considered crucial for long-term success in many cases.
On the other hand, digital interventions offer greater accessibility, flexibility, and can reduce thestigmaassociated with seeking help, which is particularly relevant for men who may be reluctant to engage intraditionaltherapy
Gender-specific considerations:
Men may experience different barriers to accessing and engaging with both traditional andinternet-basedinterventions. For instance, traditional therapy might be perceived as less accessible due to timeconstraints orsocial stigma, while internet-based interventions might be more appealing due to their privacy andconvenience.
However, the effectiveness of these interventions may also depend on how well they address issues specific tomen,such as masculinity norms, which can impact help-seeking behaviour.
As a mental health researcher, what role do you think cultural background and masculinity norms play intheeffectiveness of psychotherapeutic e-mental health interventions on men’s mental health outcomes?
Cultural background and masculinity norms play a significant role in the effectiveness of digital mentalhealthinterventions in men. These factors can shape how men perceive, engage with, and benefit from theseinterventions.
Role of cultural background:
Perception of mental health: Cultural attitudes toward mental health can affect men’s willingness to seek help.Forexample, in cultures where mental illness may be stigmatised or viewed as a sign of weakness, may lead tolowerengagement with digital mental health interventions.
The cultural relevance of the content in digital interventions is crucial.
In some communities, limited access to technology or lower digital literacy may hinder the effectiveness oftheseinterventions. Programs that incorporate culturally tailored content and are delivered in the user’s nativelanguageare more likely to be effective.
Trust and credibility:
Cultural mistrust of digital or mental health interventions can be a barrier. For example, men from minorityormarginalised groups may be sceptical of mainstream mental health tools that do not reflect their livedexperiences.
Successful interventions often involve community engagement and culturally sensitive design, ensuring that thetoolsare seen as trustworthy and relevant.
Role of masculinity:
Masculinity norms and help-seeking: Traditional masculinity norms, such as the emphasis on self-reliance,emotionalcontrol, and toughness, can discourage men from seeking help, including through digital means. Men whoadherestrongly to these norms may be less likely to engage with digital mental health tools. Digital tools thataredesigned with an understanding of these norms, by framing mental health care in a way that aligns with valueslikestrength and resilience, may be more effective.
Anonymity and privacy:
Digital interventions offer the advantage of anonymity, which can be particularly appealing to men who fear stigmaorjudgment. This anonymity can make men more comfortable with seeking help without feeling that their masculinityisbeing questioned. Subsequently, it may improve the uptake of digital interventions. Tools that emphasise privacyandallow men to engage with digital mental health resources on their own terms can help overcome barriers imposedbytraditional masculinity norms.
Engagement strategies:
Engaging men with digital mental health interventions often requires addressing masculinity directly. Forexample,interventions that use sports metaphors, gamification, or competitive elements can align with traditionalmasculineinterests and thus may increase engagement. Programs that promote mental health as a way to enhanceperformance,whether in work, sports, or other areas, may resonate more with men who value traditional masculineideals.
Overall, digital mental health interventions need to be designed with an awareness of both culturalandgender-specific factors to maximise their uptake and effectiveness for men’s mental health.