Healing Men and Community: Predictors of Outcome in a Men’s Initiatory and Support Organization
January 27th, 2010 Posted by: admin
Abstract Men have poorer health and declining social outcomes when compared to women, and research suggests that behaviors related
to restrictive and traditional male gender roles contribute to this disparity. This study is an examination of The ManKind
Project International (MKPI), a community-based organization that provides alternative male gender norms and a community support
system to help reinforce them. The MKPI runs an intensive, experiential “Training Adventure Weekend” (TAW), followed by voluntary,
on-going peer-led support and integration groups (I-Groups). One hundred men completed a pre-TAW questionnaire, an interview,
and a long-term follow-up (>18 mo.) questionnaire. The study examined if there was change on the primary study variables at
follow-up, and the relationship of background characteristics (age, self-help group experience) and factors related to participation
(MKPI beliefs, social support, I-Group participation) to the criterion variables (depression symptoms, gender role conflict,
and life satisfaction) at follow-up. Results indicated significant change in the expected directions on the primary study
variables, suggesting that for these men, participation has a positive impact. Most importantly, changes in MKPI-related beliefs
and social support significantly predicted positive outcomes. Also, more positive outcomes were found among men 30–44 years
of age, but not among those with more prior self-help experience or I-Group participation. Possible explanations for these
findings and directions for further research are discussed.
to restrictive and traditional male gender roles contribute to this disparity. This study is an examination of The ManKind
Project International (MKPI), a community-based organization that provides alternative male gender norms and a community support
system to help reinforce them. The MKPI runs an intensive, experiential “Training Adventure Weekend” (TAW), followed by voluntary,
on-going peer-led support and integration groups (I-Groups). One hundred men completed a pre-TAW questionnaire, an interview,
and a long-term follow-up (>18 mo.) questionnaire. The study examined if there was change on the primary study variables at
follow-up, and the relationship of background characteristics (age, self-help group experience) and factors related to participation
(MKPI beliefs, social support, I-Group participation) to the criterion variables (depression symptoms, gender role conflict,
and life satisfaction) at follow-up. Results indicated significant change in the expected directions on the primary study
variables, suggesting that for these men, participation has a positive impact. Most importantly, changes in MKPI-related beliefs
and social support significantly predicted positive outcomes. Also, more positive outcomes were found among men 30–44 years
of age, but not among those with more prior self-help experience or I-Group participation. Possible explanations for these
findings and directions for further research are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- DOI 10.1007/s10464-009-9283-3
- Authors
- Christopher K. Burke, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Department of Psychiatry San Antonio TX USA
- Kenneth I. Maton, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Human Services Psychology Department, MP 313 1000 Hilltop Circle Catonsville MD 21250 USA
- Eric S. Mankowski, Portland State University Portland OR USA
- Clinton Anderson, American Psychological Association Washington DC USA
- Journal American Journal of Community Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2770
- Print ISSN 0091-0562
