masculinity and health – Talking About Men's Health

Boys Falling Off the Health-Care Map: And How We Keep Them Connected

January 21, 2026January 2, 2026MHN EditorAnxiety, Boys, Depression, Education, Education, Family, Family Issues, Growing Up, Health, Lifestyle, Masculinity, Mental Health, Others, Relationships, Well-beingLeave a comment

This blog, reposted from Dominick Shattuck, PhD’s Substack with permission from the author, examines new research showing how many boys quietly disengage from preventive health care during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Drawing on findings from the Journal of Adolescent Health and decades of men’s health research, the piece explores how masculinity norms, low perceived risk, structural barriers, and unwelcoming health systems contribute to boys “falling off the health-care map.” It highlights why this early disengagement matters for long-term health outcomes and outlines practical, evidence-informed strategies for building health systems that keep boys connected to care before preventable problems become lifelong challenges.Continue reading

Rethinking Masculinity: Insights from “The Masculine Self” (7th Ed.)

September 10, 2025August 18, 2025MHN EditorBoys, Education, Growing Up, Health, MasculinityLeave a comment

Rethinking Masculinity: Insights from The Masculine Self highlights how cultural norms shape men’s health, relationships, and well-being. Drawing from the 7th edition of The Masculine Self by Andrew Smiler, PhD, and Christopher Kilmartin, PhD, the blog explores how ideas of toughness and stoicism influence men’s willingness to seek care, their mental health, and even life expectancy. It examines links between masculinity, violence, suicide, media influence, and physical health, while emphasizing empathy and the importance of supportive spaces. Men’s Health Network underscores that redefining masculinity can improve outcomes and create healthier, more connected lives for men and boys.Continue reading