Psychological inflexibility mediates the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and depression: Preliminary support for a transdiagnostic approach to working therapeutically with men

Malignancy, masculinities, and psychological distress: Comparisons made between men with testicular cancer and healthy controls

“…As highlighted in previous prostate cancer research, this could look like encouraging more adaptive and valuable versions of masculine identity, that work for the individual and allow for context‐to‐context flexibility that may reduce distress 25 . This also provides further support for interventions that target experiential avoidance (by increasing psychological flexibility) to reduce problematic self‐reliance evident in previous literature 37 . One existing option for men with TC may be Goal‐focused Emotion‐regulation Therapy (GET; characterised by goal setting derived by values combined with emotion regulation skills) that has shown in pilot work to reduce psychological distress after TC 40 .…”

“…25 Moreover, both psychological rigidity and strict adherence to some traditional masculine norms (e.g., self-reliance) are associated with worse mental health in the general population. 14,37 Increasing psychological flexibility may assist developing flexible adaptations of masculinities and subsequently reduced distress in men with TC.…”

“…to reduce problematic self-reliance evident in previous literature. 37 One existing option for men with TC may be Goal-focused Emotionregulation Therapy (GET; characterised by goal setting derived by values combined with emotion regulation skills) that has shown in pilot work to reduce psychological distress after TC. 40 Whilst further research is required to establish efficacy, GET may enhance optimistic action (by developing achievable goals), coping (combating helplessness/hopelessness) and flexible adaptations of masculinity (values-derived goals) reducing distress in TC.…”