Masculinity in the Midst of Mindfulness

Exploring the Gendered Experiences of At-risk Adolescent Boys

Bibliographic Data

ID2388331
AuthorsT Lomas (0000-0001-9458-6185, University of East London, corresponding author), Ellie Garraway (University of East London), Chloe Stanton (University of East London), Itai Ivtzan (0000-0002-2253-210X, University of East London)
Year2020
Volume23
Issue1
Pages127-149
Publication date2020-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMen and Masculinities (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1097-184X • E-ISSN: 1552-6828
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1097184x18756709
OpenAlexW2885923999
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited49

Teenage boys are a source of considerable concern in society, with generally poorer health, educational, and social outcomes than their female counterparts. Of particular concern are 'at-risk' adolescents, who by definition are liable to poorer outcomes than peers not deemed at-risk. However, there are indications that activities such as mindfulness may offer opportunities for such adolescents to negotiate more positive constructions of masculinity. This study piloted a new four-week mindfulness-based intervention, created specifically for a group of eight at-risk adolescent boys at a school in London. In-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with participants before and after the intervention and analyzed using grounded theory. The data revealed an overarching theme of 'pressure control.' Participants depicted themselves as facing multiple pressures, many of which related to making the difficult transition from childhood to adulthood. However, the context of the intervention enabled them to generate a masculine construction in which they were able to reclaim agency and self-control. Notably, such control was often exercised in the direction of facilitating emotional connection and agility, thus subverting traditional masculine expectations. The results show that at-risk adolescent boys are capable of more nuanced and skilled emotional competencies than they are often given credit for

Developmental psychology · Grounded theory · Masculinity · Mindfulness · Negotiation · Qualitative research · Sense of agency · Sociology · Clinical Psychology · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Psychology · Social Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support

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