Learning to be a man: friendships, positive male role models, and behavioural health in a sample of young men from Belfast

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Abstract

Background

Men in Northern Ireland die by suicide approximately three times more frequently than women[1] and psychiatric morbidity is 25% higher than the United Kingdom overall.[2] This disparity is associated with the Troubles, a 30-year conflict during which there were 34,000 shootings, 14,000 bombings, and 3,500 deaths.[3]

Prior studies suggest strong friendships and high collective efficacy in communities are protective against suicide and self-harm in adolescents.[4]

Methods

Thirty adolescent boys aged 16-19 across Belfast were recruited using trusted community partners, primarily youth centres and services working with young people in working class communities.

The study comprises two components: a questionnaire combining the Self-Harm Inventory[5] and a modified Collective Efficacy Scale,[6,7] and an interview exploring friendships, their neighbourhood, and beliefs about masculinity. It uses an integrated framework to contextualise the interplay between masculinity[8], Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicide[9], and the Prototype/Willingness Model.[10]

Results

Preliminary findings indicate a shift in emotional vulnerability within male friendships through adolescence, as well as a need for positive male role models in spaces associated with masculine strength. Figures such as Andrew Tate resonate strongly, even among participants with strong male familial ties.

Key themes also included articulation of substance use as a means of emotional regulation and a strong legacy of the Troubles. These experiences shape their family life and feelings of neighbourhood safety.

Discussion

The study suggests a need for positive male role models for young men in spaces they associated with masculine strength and physical fitness, as well as support for the development of emotional literacy to identify and name feelings of emotional distress.

References
1. Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). Number of Suicides Registered in Northern Ireland by Method of Suicide and Sex, 2001-2021.
2. O’Neill S, Rooney N. Mental health in Northern Ireland: an urgent situation. Lancet Psychiatry. 2018.
3. O’Neill S, O’Connor RC. Suicide in Northern Ireland: epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention. Lancet Psychiatry. 2020.
4. Lee JH. Relationships between neighborhood collective efficacy and adolescent suicidal ideation. J Adolesc. 2021.
5. Sansone RA, Sansone LA. Measuring Self-Harm Behavior with the Self-Harm Inventory. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2010 Apr;7(4):16. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC2877617/
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 28 Aug 2024
Event20th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour - Rome, Italy
Duration: 28 Aug 202431 Aug 2024
https://www.esssb20.org

Conference

Conference20th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityRome
Period28/08/202431/08/2024
Internet address

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