A Systematic Review of Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviours in Young Men

Young men face significant mental health challenges, with male suicide rates accounting for 80% of suicide-related deaths (Bilsker et al., 2018). Despite this, men are less likely to seek mental health support due to stigma, self-reliance, and adherence to traditional masculine norms (Chatmon, 2020; Brown et al., 2019). This systematic review explored theoretical frameworks, barriers, facilitators, and strategies to improve mental health help-seeking among young men, guided by Chan’s theory of help-seeking (2013) and social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 2004). A systematic review of 189 studies identified several theories, with the theory of planned behaviour (Ajzen, 2011) and masculine gender role conformity (Addis & Mahalik, 2003) being most prevalent. However, findings revealed theory to be underutilized, with most studies lacking theoretical grounding entirely. Thematic analyses highlighted four key barriers: traditional masculine norms, low mental health literacy, stigma, and service-related challenges. Five facilitators emerged: reframing masculine norms, improved literacy, male-centric service adaptations, social support, and individual characteristics. Content analyses of 21 intervention programs revealed gaps, including limited theoretical foundations, inconsistent participant feedback, and underutilized strategies such as targeted education and stigma reduction. Findings underscore the need for prevention efforts, such as tailored mental health literacy workshops emphasizing coping skills and dismantling gendered stigma. Effective marketing strategies, including male-friendly language and role models, could improve program uptake. Interventions should include professional training and male-specific adaptations to ensure comfort and accessibility. Future initiatives must integrate these findings into evidence-based, gender-sensitive frameworks to better support young men’s mental health and foster help-seeking behaviours.