3 minute read
new research from the university of british columbia sheds light on the experience of men after they go through a break up, taking aim at the toxic stereotype that men shy away from their emotions while in difficult situations.
the study, published in qualitative health research , consisted of detailed interviews with 47 men in canada and australia, ages 26 to 70 years old, who had recently gone through a break up. approximately 81 per cent of the participants self-identified as heterosexual, 15 per cent as gay and four per cent as bisexual. relationships had ranged from 4 months to 28 years in length, with 49 per cent of the breakups initiated by the other partner.
advertisement
this study is part of a growing movement that highlights men communicating about their emotions and the holes in support structures that exist, likely in part due to societal expectations that men suppress their emotions. and support is needed: research from angus reid indicates 63 per cent of canadian men aged 18-34 experience “a considerable amount of loneliness and isolation,” compared to 53 per cent of women in the same age category. however, women are three times more likely to seek out support than men.
advertisement
a different study from ubc looked at relationship programs in australia, canada and the united kingdom, and came to the recommendation there is a need for groups and programs where men can turn to for general relationship skills development and emotional support.
