Impact of masculinity upon psychosis

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The impact of masculinity upon males with psychosis

  • IRAS ID

    199894

  • Contact name

    Robert Searle

  • Contact email

    searler@cardiff.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Cardiff University

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 9 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    MASCULINITY
    Boys are born into a world in which males are treated and expected to behave differently from females. Consequently, boys learn to show others that they understand this by behaving in ‘masculine’ ways. However, strict adherence to masculinity can result in violence and aggression, and too little adherence can lead to group rejection and social isolation. Consequently, difficulties adhering to masculinity can lead to distress and unhealthy coping behaviour.

    PSYCHOSIS
    Psychosis is a term used to describe a range of conditions characterized by schizophrenia, including unusual experiences (e.g. hearing voices and delusional beliefs), a reduced range of emotional expression and difficulties in completing goal-directed activities.

    MASCULINITY AND PSYCHOSIS
    It has been proposed that the stressors involved in how a person perceives themselves is a major source of stress which increases the likelihood that the individual will develop schizophrenia. Despite this, the construct of masculinity and its impact upon the diagnosis, management, and outcome of schizophrenia has received minimal attention.

    PROJECT
    In an attempt to explore the impact of masculinity upon people with psychosis, the researcher will interview qualified clinical psychologists, and male forensic mental health service users who have experienced psychotic symptomology, to explore their ideas regarding ‘masculinity’ and its possible influences upon the experience of psychotic phenomena in males.

  • REC name

    North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/NE/0216

  • Date of REC Opinion

    25 Jul 2016

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion