Abstract
PurposeProstate cancer can result in a shift in the way men perceive their masculinity. Despite the interest in exercise as a treatment strategy to address masculinity concerns, there is insufficient information about how perceptions may differ in active and inactive men. The aim of this study was to explore how exercise might influence self-perceptions of masculinity in men across the exercise continuum (from active to inactive) and in men receiving different forms of treatment for their prostate cancer, including androgen deprivation therapy.MethodsIndividual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 men. Ten men met aerobic and/or resistance guidelines and were considered active, while five men, considered inactive, reached neither guideline. This study used a grounded theory approach to data analysis, examining masculinity issues in active men and compared them to inactive men.ResultsRedefining masculinity emerged as an overarching theme. Subthemes were the various coping strategies men used to redefining masculinity and directly related to their exercise habits. Coping subthemes included re-establishing control, tapping into competition, remaining socially connected, rationalization, and acceptance.ConclusionsIn the active men, dominant coping strategies achieved from exercise included control through active participation, acceptance, competition, and leadership. In inactive men, control was observed with knowledge-seeking behaviors, rationalization, and acceptance.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsA tailored approach to exercise counseling based upon specific masculine traits and motivations could lead to improved exercise engagement.
Highlights
Concerns about one’s masculinity following prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment are prevalent and have been associated with numerous physical, emotional, and social changes [1,2,3]
Preliminary evidence suggests exercise can play a pivotal role in the treatment of masculine identity by addressing common side effects that contribute to low masculinity levels [7,8,9,10]
A recent systematic review of the qualitative literature found masculinity was influenced by increased levels of camaraderie secondary to shared sense of impairment or a common goal of “battling cancer”; providing an environment focusing on valued male traits; providing distraction from one’s mortality or impairment; increasing participant’s sense of control; improving body composition, thereby re-establishing similarity between idealized masculine phenotype and what they see in the mirror; and re-establishing a belief in their ability to succeed or develop a new identity [11]
Summary
Concerns about one’s masculinity following prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment are prevalent and have been associated with numerous physical, emotional, and social changes [1,2,3]. Preliminary evidence suggests exercise can play a pivotal role in the treatment of masculine identity by addressing common side effects (e.g., body composition, sexual function) that contribute to low masculinity levels [7,8,9,10]. A recent systematic review of the qualitative literature found masculinity was influenced by increased levels of camaraderie secondary to shared sense of impairment or a common goal of “battling cancer”; providing an environment focusing on valued male traits; providing distraction from one’s mortality or impairment; increasing participant’s sense of control; improving body composition, thereby re-establishing similarity between idealized masculine phenotype and what they see in the mirror; and re-establishing a belief in their ability to succeed or develop a new identity [11]. Most of this research to date has focused only on men undergoing androgen
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
