This study explored men’s experiences of using peer support groups for coping with mental distress. The findings highlight how men valued the shared understanding, mutual respect, and safe space provided by support groups. The groups allowed men to reconstruct traditional masculine norms, develop a sense of purpose by supporting others, and facilitated mental health management. The social benefits of reducing isolation were also noted.[1]
This report discusses a community-based suicide prevention initiative called “Building Bridges” that expanded peer support strategies like men’s groups and family wellbeing programs across Indigenous communities. It highlights the empowerment processes and knowledge sharing that occurred through these groups.[2]
This study describes the benefits of men’s peer mutual support groups, which provide opportunities for self-help, self-care, and emotional healing work. Interview data from therapists who participated in such groups showed important implications for improving therapy and support for men.[3]
The Veterans Health Administration developed a peer-led group program called “Taking Charge of My Life and Health” to support veterans in setting health and wellbeing goals. Prior research showed positive impacts, and this study explored veterans’ own experiences and perspectives on the groups.[4]
The other search results provide some relevant context on men’s mental health, social support, and emotional experiences, but do not directly address the specific work of www.meld.community or peer support groups for men’s emotional physiology.2579[5]
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10078724/ [2] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/dd20059151a1e37a4e9a4dc8e11ac38173524764
[2] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/d69712a61c53f1711ba27fdf37cd159e311459f4
[3] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/b05c784c713c0939b39496868d35c528249d81cc
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9615064/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9414995/ [14] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/94258fb194083864998882376919329f6dcdc9dd
Support groups help reduce feelings of isolation for men by providing a sense of shared understanding and mutual respect with others facing similar challenges. The groups create a safe space for social connection.[1]
Reaching out to peer support groups is one way men make new connections after major life events like a relationship breakup, supplementing solitary coping strategies.[3]
The group setting allows men to reconstruct traditional masculine norms by reciprocating tailored emotional support to others. This gives them a sense of purpose which facilitates better mental health management.[1]
Men’s peer mutual support groups provide opportunities for self-help, self-care and emotional healing work that can improve therapy outcomes.[5]
For male high school students, participating as peer supporters in support groups showed improvements in interpersonal reactivity, self-esteem and reduced psychological distress over 6 years.[2]
For men with low socioeconomic status, arts-based peer groups enhanced self-esteem, emotional regulation, provided a routine, sense of mastery and cathartic self-expression.[4]
While the other results provide context on men’s mental health, social support, and help-seeking behaviors, the benefits of peer support groups specifically for men’s emotional health are most directly highlighted in the studies and reports cited above.57912
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10078724/
[2] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/77a3a08856d4217bb6dace1decae8480793b7180
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9411703/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10433405/
[5] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/85be772f7de92bcfade090ecc47f3e7651fad8b7
Citations:
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10609983/
[2] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/a3662cf06f09bdaf04219d781ab8fb71fa655eaa
[3] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/33f6e66d43d225352f5c339dad72b41c30a56bab
[4] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/baebb2046cce7c34009adaebe560b44306301c23
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35941799/
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38449237/
[7] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/573bb33ad0ba8cf2833a9c847b6b3440293c2f38