The influence of conventional masculine gender role norms on parental attitudes toward seeking psychological services for children.

Abstract

Paternal involvement in parent training programs has been associated with greater maintenance of treatment gains, lower attrition rates, and less maternal stress. However, male caregivers are less likely to participate in behavioral parent training (BPT) programs than female caregivers. The present study examined (a) the differences between mothers and fathers in their attitudes toward seeking help for their children, and (b) whether parents’ adherence to masculine gender role norms mediated the proposed relationship between parent sex and attitudes toward seeking psychological help for children. Fifty-two parents (women n = 26; men n = 26) completed the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPHS), Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale–Parent Form (ATSPPHS-P), Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI), and Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI). Fathers had significantly poorer attitudes toward seeking mental health services for their children than mothers. Additionally, parents’ conformity to masculine gender role norms correlated negatively and significantly with their attitudes toward help-seeking for their children. As expected, parents’ conformity to masculine gender role norms mediated the relationship between parent sex and attitudes toward seeking help for children. These findings suggest that, regardless of sex, parents’ adherence to masculine gender role norms may lead to negative attitudes toward seeking psychological help for their child.

The Cascading Effects of Multiple Dimensions of Implementation on Program Outcomes: a Test of a Theoretical Model

“…In addition, because previous measures of quality have been developed primarily with mothers, we do not know if these processes work similarly with fathers. Moreover, there is some evidence that masculinity norms can inhibit engagement in services (Cusack, Deane, Wilson, & Ciarrochi, 2006; Triemstra, Niec, Peer, & Christian-Brandt, 2016). Consequently, the presence of gender differences with respect to the influence of fidelity and quality is an exploratory question in this study.…”

“Why Don’t You Reach Out to Dad?”: Involving Fathers in Therapy

“…A few social workers identified the maternal focus of their clinical settings and the challenge of meaningfully infusing fathers into the therapy dynamic under these structural conditions, as a significant challenge. Some research has, therefore, suggested that clinicians employ elements of cognitive behavior therapy and psychoeducation to assist fathers in recognizing their importance to the child, and the family system, while also encouraging fathers to continue to challenge the masculine (Phares et al, 2010;Triemstra et al, 2017) to improve involvement. This process may look remarkably different for varying subsets of fathers, so social workers, and clinicians more broadly, need to be prepared for these potential differences.…”

“…Over the past 30 years, increasing attention has been directed to understanding the benefits of the father role (Marsiglio et al, 2000) for children, families, and for fathers themselves (Frank et al, 2015;Triemstra et al, 2017). Our understanding of the role of fathers in psychological services has only recently begun to garner some attention, but the literature is still very limited.…”

“…Researchers and practitioners are beginning to pay attention to the benefits of father involvement (Frank et al, 2015;Triemstra et al, 2017), especially nonresident father involvement (Caldwell et al, 2014;Thomas et al, 2011). Much of the research suggests that children from dual-parent families fare better than those from single-parent families and that positive involvement of fathers, not fathers' mere presence, leads to positive child outcomes (Caldwell et al, 2014;Caldwell, et al, 2011;Thomas et al, 2011), yet few clinicians receive training on how to engage fathers.…”

Reexamination of the Five‐Factor Model and College Students' Treatment‐Seeking Attitudes

“…These attitudes, most commonly measured by the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help scale (ATSPPH; Fischer & Turner, ), have been investigated by researchers in numerous studies. Scores on the ATSPPH have been found to be correlated with various factors, including gender (Fischer & Turner, ; Park & Hatchett, ), stage of change in the transtheoretical model (Young, ), race/ethnicity (Al‐Darmaki, ), and masculine gender roles (Triemstra, Niec, Peer, & Christian‐Brandt, ).…”