This thesis focuses on the relationship between masculinity, psychological distress and help-seeking amongst prisoners and prison officers. Part One is a systematic narrative review of 14 studies investigating the association between conformity to masculine norms and help-seeking for psychological distress, highlighting the consistent finding of a negative association between conformity to masculine norms and help-seeking for psychological difficulties, and the important role of self-stigma as a partial mediator. Conclusions include a comprehensive discussion of the directions for future research and clinical implications.
Part Two is an empirical study of masculinity, psychological distress and help-seeking amongst prisoners and prison officers from a men’s prison, using mixed methods. Correlational analysis of questionnaire data investigated the relationship between conformity to masculine norms, psychological distress and help-seeking, finding a positive relationship between masculinity and psychological distress for prisoners, and an inverse relationship between masculinity and help-seeking for both prisoners and prison officers.. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews explored how masculinity in prison shapes the experience of psychological distress and help-seeking, highlighting themes of Holding it in, Image and perception and Control for prisoner participants, and Expectations of the role and Hiding and showing vulnerability for prison officer participants.
Part Three is a critical appraisal of the research process within prison, including discussions and reflections about the setting of the prison environment, the context and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and challenges relating to the topic of masculinity, mental health and help-seeking. The methodologies used in prison research are critically discussed, with recommendations for future research being highlighted.