Additional Supporting Research behind MELD and MELD Method

Research Support for How MELD’s Somaware (Emotional Physiology) and Peer-to-Peer Perspective Can Aid Men

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

Peer-to-Peer Support Groups Offer Several Key Benefits for Men's Mental Health

Reduced Isolation and Increased Social Connection

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]

Reconstructing Masculine Norms

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]

Mental Health Benefits

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

Understanding Emotional and Physiological Responses Using Polyvagal Theory with Men

  • Vagal Regulation of Heart Rate: The research on the effect of alcohol on vagal regulation of cardiovascular function demonstrates how substances can impact the autonomic nervous system, specifically the vagal tone, which is crucial for emotional regulation and stress response[1]. MELD might use this understanding to help men recognize how their physiological state can affect their emotional well-being and vice versa.
  • Foundations of Polyvagal Theory: The Polyvagal Theory provides a framework for understanding how the autonomic nervous system mediates social engagement, trust, and intimacy[2]. MELD could apply these insights to create a supportive environment that encourages men to engage socially and build trust within peer-to-peer support groups.

Addressing Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

  • Reduced Vagal Tone and Emotional Regulation: Studies have shown that reduced vagal tone can be associated with emotional regulation issues, such as those seen in intimate partner violence perpetrators[3]. By applying Polyvagal Theory, MELD might offer strategies to improve vagal tone through breathing exercises, meditation, or physical activities, thereby enhancing emotional regulation.
  • Autistic Meltdown and Neuroception: Understanding the stages of social engagement, mobilization, and immobilization through Polyvagal Theory can help in managing autistic meltdowns[4]. While this is more specific to autism, the concept of neuroception, or how the nervous system evaluates safety and risk, could be beneficial in helping men understand their responses to stress and how to manage them.

Enhancing Social Engagement and Communication

  • Social Engagement System: The Polyvagal Theory emphasizes the role of the ventral vagal complex in enabling social engagement and downregulating defensive reactions[5]. MELD.community might use activities that promote safe social interactions to help men practice and enhance their social engagement skills, improving their communication and relationships.
  • Group Psychotherapy as Neural Exercise: The integration of Polyvagal Theory with attachment theory suggests that group therapy can serve as a neural exercise to promote biobehavioral adjustments associated with emotion regulation, stress reactivity, and social relationships[6]. MELD could incorporate group therapy sessions as a core component of its programs to facilitate these adjustments in a supportive group setting.

Supporting Stress Management and Recovery

  • Coordination of Autonomic Nervous System During Stress: Research on the coordination of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems during stress tasks highlights the importance of balanced autonomic regulation[7]. MELD might offer stress management techniques that aim to balance these systems, such as mindfulness practices, to support men in managing stress and recovering from stressors more effectively.

 

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