Date of Award

5-18-2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Amanda Nolen

Second Advisor

James Vander Putten

Abstract

Despite the numerous studies suggesting that psychological treatments are equally efficacious for men and women, many men continue to exhibit reluctance toward seeking treatment for their psychological concerns. This significant gender disparity in mental health services utilization persists despite mental illness severity. There is a plethora of quantitative studies regarding men’s help-seeking behaviors however qualitative investigations into this phenomenon are scarce. The researcher developed this phenomenological case study in order to address this gap in the literature. In addition, this study aims to investigate the factors that influence college-aged men’s attitudes and perceptions toward mental health and mental health help-seeking. Data analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews produced the following emergent codes: (1) Traditional Masculinity (1a) Socialization of Gender Norms (1b) Self-Reliance (1c) Stigma (1d) Changing Attitudes (2) Protecting Masculinity (2a) Masking and Avoiding (3) Mental Health Literacy (3a) Emotional Openness is Beneficial (4) Counseling Center Strategies (4a) Accessibility and Removing Barriers (4b) Comfort and Emotional Vulnerability (4c) Trust and Privacy.

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