In my data work this week I’ve stumbled across a really interesting relationship. Initial analysis seems to show that the Activate! program had a significant, postive impact on depression for male participants. Their CES-D scores at the end-line were predicted to to be lower than the control group.

Although I still have a lot of work to do on this, it’s provided me with a really exciting direction. I’ve delved into some of the literature and found that my findings are supported.

A really great paper I found is Seidler et al. (2016) entitled: The role of masculinity in men’s help-seeking for depression: A systematic review. The highlights of their review are quoted as follows:

• Men may find it difficult to recognise and communicate symptoms of depression.
• Men prefer collaborative interventions involving action-oriented problem solving.
• Masculine norms like stoicism conflict with depression, heightening self-stigma.
• Masculine norms may inhibit help-seeking and reinforce maladaptive coping styles.
• Reframing a more fluid masculinity to integrate depression may boost help-seeking.

The second point there in red is of particular interest to me. A number of the studies they looked at showed that collaborative interventions are preferred for treatment of depression. In other words, programs like Activate! might play a significant role in treating depression for men.

A long way to go

It is important to note that these are only preliminary findings. There is a lot of data analysis left to do and I need to meet with my supervisor to see if I’m on the right track.

However, I’m starting to really find a sense of flow and momentum with this work. I can’t wait to see where this finding leads 🙂

Image was taken on the prom during my bicycle ride last weekend 🙂 in fact, a friend of mine is riding the bike on the left of the picture

Thesis update: gaining momentum. Need to meet with supervisor for guidance

Blog 64/365. Read more about my #365of25 journey here