Promoting Black or African-American Men's Mental Health Through Empowering Masculinity

Abstract

There is a critical need for community advocates to understand the mental health needs of Black or African American (BA) men and the hesitancy in regard to accessing mental health services. Traditional, western masculinity powerfully influences how BA men perceive mental health struggles and vice versa, how reaching out for help and support affects an individual is perceived as being a man. Racial discrimination, marginalization and institutional oppression need to be taken into account when exploring mental health among BA men, especially in how these experiences interact with the enactment of masculinity. There is a great need for those who work with BA men to be aware of the mental health trends of this population, and the sociopolitical dynamics in the United States that contribute to them, equipped to effectively employ gender-adapted strategies with BA men, and familiar with evidenced-based approaches for promoting BA men's health and wellbeing in a way that is culturally responsive.