The Psychology Of Men's Health

This book represents a wide-ranging introduction, grounded in a thorough review of the international literature in this rapidly developing field, examining the ways in which the social and cultural definitions of appropriate behaviour for men affect their lives and choices in ways that damage their health.

At an individual level, the book covers men's health behaviours and use of health services, emotional expression, risk-taking, sexuality, and men's relationships with their bodies. At a social level, it explores the ways in which social definitions of masculinity affect men's relationships with work and family, and the gendered issues that arise as men age.

The authors seek to place the psychology of men's health in a broad social perspective, and argue that a male centred, patriarchal society does not necessarily benefit all, or indeed any, men. They argue that less restrictive and less gender-typed models of human behaviour would benefit men's physical and emotional health, as well as helping to create a more equitable society.