Do “real men” not ask for help?

The current study examined the relationship between menâs conformity to male norms and attitudes, preferences, and stigma toward seeking help from an executive coach or psychologist. Two-hundred-nine working adult men were assigned to a condition (therapy or executive coaching) and listened to a brief session between a client and practitioner. Overall, men had similar and relatively positive help-seeking attitudes for therapy and executive coaching. However, men with higher conformity to masculine norms had higher stigma toward seeking help and viewed traditional therapy as less favorable. Implications of the study, as well as limitations and directions for future research, are discussed.

Source: “Conformity to masculine norms and preferences for therapy or executive coaching.” from Psychology of Men & Masculinity – Vol 11, Iss 1