Final Research Paper. A 10-page research paper written in APA style on a specific
topic of interest related to the field of psychology. This project will include
several sections to include an abstract, introduction, body of paper, limitations
and conclusion. Note that the first three assignments (research question,
proposal and annotated bibliography will support and lead up to the final paper.
For this assignment, you need to choose a specific research question related to a
topic in psychology in which you are especially interested in, draw a hypothesis
and corroborate your hypothesis with findings. This is an American Psychological
Association (APA) style formatted paper. Paper must include no less than 10
professional, peer reviewed journal references.
Info I have compiled so far:
1. Abstract (1 Pg) – write last
2. Exploration of main and most salient points my paper will be focusing on: (6-7 pgs)
Statistics and rates of suicide, depression, difference in number of men and women going to therapy, difference in male vs female clinicians etcExploration of the barriers to entry for men: cultural myths and biases – toxic masculinity, being tough/figuring things out alone as being manly, peer suppression, lack of supportive social groups (sports etc), issues with punitive forced participation in therapy/counseling as a punishment in schools setting a poor precedent.
Introduction
Men in the United States suffer from depression 34% more frequently than women, but are diagnosed 70% less often. Men in the United States account for 7 out of every 10 suicide attempts and are successful in their attempts 3.5 times as often as women (NIMH, 2020). Men in the United States submit for voluntary mental treatment at rates between 40% and 60% less than women in otherwise similar demographic groups (National Center for Health Statistics, 2020). Add all additional Statistics
LAST SENTENCE IS THESIS and is underlined
Literature Review
These findings and statistics, among many other factors, suggest that there may be a pressing need and numerous benefits to the advocacy of higher participation rates of men in voluntary mental health treatment. Despite this pressing need, men are not participating and it is important to examine the factors, rationales and reasons that they are not, if we wish to make any significant amount of progress toward changing the harsh realities put forth in these sobering statistics. So what prevents men from going online, finding a therapist, picking up the phone or emailing to make an appointment? Why, despite the clear numbers and an obvious deficit, do we seem so opposed to the very thing that might deliver us to the support and resources we need to change this reality? The most critical; factors to examine appear to be a host of barriers to entry that consist of cultural biases, stereotypes and outdated ideologies that collide to present men with ideas that prevent them from reaching out for support. Men are confronted by a world in which they are taught from an early age to develop a toughness, an ability to take on much and do it all alone, that asking for help is weak, that talking about emotions or feelings is a clear sign of weakness and so many more troubling and damaging internalized beliefsFor the purposes of this paper we will focus on a few of the key myths, beliefs and barriers and attempt to offer solutions that eliminate their effectiveness.
Suck it up. Boys don’t cry. Don’t be a bitch. A handful of the early messages boys and young men receive from.
3. Solutions (2-3 pgs)
Ways in which these aforementioned barriers can be broken down to enable broader access – summary word – normalizing emotions and feelings as being an acceptable part of being a man and not being seen as uniquely female/feminine
Changing the structure and available manner of delivering therapy (outdoor, telehealth)
Insisting upon mental health being more intertwined with physical health screenings and checkups (
Changing education system and the ways in which young men are encouraged to interface with their feelings and emotions in school as they age
Doing away with toxic masculinity (How?) – challenging language, ^ school – MORE HERE
More men entering the field and becoming therapists and putting in work to create opportunities for access and encouragement for participation
4. Conclusions (1-2 pgs)
