Working with men in the context of distressed and disrupted intimate partner relationships: A qualitative study

Paul Sharp; John S Ogrodniczuk; Matthew Sha; Mary T Kelly; Gabriela Gonzalez Montaner; David Kealy; Zac E Seidler; Simon M Rice; John L Oliffe

doi:10.1016/j.pec.2023.107873

Working with men in the context of distressed and disrupted intimate partner relationships: A qualitative study

Patient Educ Couns. 2023 Oct:115:107873. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107873. Epub 2023 Jun 28.

Authors

Paul Sharp¹, John S Ogrodniczuk², Matthew Sha³, Mary T Kelly³, Gabriela Gonzalez Montaner³, David Kealy², Zac E Seidler⁴, Simon M Rice⁵, John L Oliffe⁶

Affiliations

¹ School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Electronic address: paul.sharp@ubc.ca.
² Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
³ School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
⁴ Orygen, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Movember, East Melbourne, Australia.
⁵ Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Movember, East Melbourne, Australia.
⁶ School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Nursing, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

PMID: 37421685
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107873

Abstract

Objective: To describe key considerations for working with men experiencing distressed and disrupted intimate partner relationships.

Methods: Individual Zoom interviews were conducted with help-seeking men (n = 25) who had experienced an intimate partnership break-up, and health service providers (n = 30) working with men in the relationships space. Interpretive Description methodology was used to generate considerations for working with men in distressed and disrupted relationships.

Results: Three thematic findings were inductively derived; 1) A whole life approach for deconstructing relationships, wherein men engaged in discussions about their broader experiences and circumstances within the context of intimate partnerships; 2) Affirming men's relationship emotions and vulnerabilities as normative and changeable, comprising coaching for embodying transformative masculinities; and 3) Tangible 'to do's' in and after a relationship, outlining men's present and prospective self-work with action-oriented strategies.

Conclusion: Strategies tailored to men's receptivity and needs can increase connection with professional services and providers to bolster the mental health of men in and after disrupted intimate partner relationships.

Practice implications: With men increasingly accessing professional mental health services, the present study offers key considerations and recommendations regarding assessment, communication, and treatment for health service providers working with men in the relationships space.

Keywords: Health service provider perspectives; Masculinity; Men’s counselling; Men’s intimate partner relationships; Men’s mental health.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Emotions
Humans
Male
Masculinity
Men* / psychology
Prospective Studies
Sexual Behavior* / psychology