Exploring Masculinity, Perceived Public Stigma and Demographic Factors as Barriers to Help-Seeking Behaviours in Men

Abstract The current study aimed to identify barriers to help-seeking behaviours among Australian men, with a specific focus on the influence of traditional masculinity and perceived public stigma. A total of 210 adult men aged 18 and above currently residing in Australia completed an online survey. Results revealed that adherence to traditional masculine behaviours and perceived public stigma are negatively associated with help-seeking behaviours. Furthermore, a hierarchical regression analysis revealed that both adherence to traditional masculine behaviours and perceived public stigma were significant predictors of help-seeking among men, even after accounting for age, income, education, and geographic location. The results underscore the pervasive nature of traditional notions of masculinity and highlight the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to mental health help-seeking among men. Findings have important implications for how interventions should challenge and redefine these traditional notions of masculinity acquired from early childhood to incorporate health-enhancing values.