Men’s Experiences of Depression and the Family’s Role in Gender Socialization: A Phenomenological Study from Urban South India

Abstract

With the overwhelming suicide rate among men over women, and family problems and illness being the major causes of suicide in India, it is important that we have a better understanding of how men struggle with depression in the context of family. The aim of this study is to understand the subjective experiences of depression and family’s role in gender socialization among Indian men. A non-clinical sample of nine men was selected using convenience sampling from a human service organization. Theoretical sampling of biographical accounts of a clinical group (one male client with a history of clinical depression) was used for the triangulation of data. A consensual qualitative research methodology was adopted. The findings contribute to new insights into the understanding of depression in the light of early family influences among Indian men. Implications suggest that further studies of male depression in the family context, the challenge of family life education in India, and the importance of gender sensitivity in counseling with men are required.