Understanding the Barriers and Pathways to Male Help-Seeking and Help-Offering

A Mixed Methods Study of the Impact of the Mates in Construction Program

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15465863
AutoresVictoria Ross (0000-0002-6768-1205, Griffith University, autor correspondente), Neil R Caton (0000-0003-2656-4915, Griffith University), Jorgen Gullestrup (0000-0003-1777-2536), Kairi Kolves (0000-0002-1638-8981, Griffith University)
Ano2019
Volume16
Fascículo16
Páginas2979-2979
Data de publicação2019-08-19
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditoraMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph16162979
PMID31430939
OpenAlexW2968899688
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas15
Referências citadas9

The Mates in Construction (MATES) program was developed to address the issue of high suicide rates among males in the Australian construction industry. The program delivers early intervention training and support to construction workers. This mixed-methods study aimed to (1) examine the effectiveness of training for MATES connectors and (2) examine the barriers, motivations and pathways to help-seeking and help-offering for both MATES connectors and clients. A total of 104 volunteers completed a short survey before and after connector training sessions. Quantitative data analysis showed significant increases in connectors' self-reported suicide awareness, and willingness to offer help to workmates and seek help themselves. For the qualitative component, 27 connectors and clients participated in focus groups and individual interviews. Thematic analysis identified six themes from the connectors' data: awareness, skills and confidence; removing stigma; making a difference; simplicity of the model; understanding the industry; and visibility, camaraderie and passion. For clients, three key themes emerged: barriers and pathways to help-seeking; speaking the same language; and flow-on effects. The results provide evidence for the effectiveness of connector training and indicate that MATES's peer support model is enabling workers to overcome traditional barriers and attitudes to seeking and offering help

Focus group · Intervention (counseling · Medical education · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Applied Psychology · Computer Science · Medicine · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Psychology · Resilience and Mental Health · Social Psychology · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies · Marketing