Background: There is a pressing need for innovation in prevention of major depression in male workers. Major depression affects workers’ health and productivity. In the United States, workers with depression cost employers an estimated US $44.01 billion per year in lost productivity. One of the severe consequences of having major depression is suicide and Canadian national data showed that 76% of all suicides in 2009 were male. Compared to women, men are less likely to seek help and to disclose depressive symptoms and often delay help seeking until symptoms become very severe. Men are socialized to be emotionally stoic and encouraged to exemplify traditional masculine characteristics such as independence, self-reliance and dominance. Men are concerned over the perceived negative judgments from family and friends if they access treatment for depression. These gender related characteristics along with our limited knowledge on effective interventions call for innovative strategies that are tailored for men.
Objectives: The overriding goal of this research program is to develop effective and sustainable strategies for reducing the risk of major depression in male workers. To achieve our goal, we proposed three interrelated research projects:
- Understanding male workers’ attitudes towards and preferences for e-mental health interventions.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of e-mental health interventions.
- Developing on-line and mobile educational resources for male workers.
Funding source: Movember Foundation.
Status: completed.
