Masculinity and self-harm - a Chinese cultural perspective

Abstract

Suicide is highly prevalent among men than women and is one of the leading causes of death. An extensive body of knowledge about masculinities and the non-seeking-help pattern among men with health problems has developed over decades based on theoretical contributions from men’s health research. The interplay between patients and their healthcare context is reciprocal, and often unpleasant and disruptive. Empirical studies on suicide and self-harm have pointed to a critical service gap that interventions were mainly found effective among women instead of men. There is a paucity of research exploring how healthcare experiences among men with suicidal behaviors are shaped in a Chinese cultural context. Drawing on the Network-Episode Model, this presentation would discuss Chinese perspective on masculinities and its effects on subjective experiences of self-harm men during their contact with healthcare and psychosocial services. Also, the role of networks’ expectation on masculinity in leading to men’s avoidance of care or fragmented care pathway will be discussed in a context of contemporary Chinese society. The review will enrich knowledge in the care management for men with mental illness, and how we can best address the diversity of self-harm patients’ needs and navigate quality care for them.