The Making of Men Program: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Gender-Sensitive Rite of Passage Program for Adolescent Males

Abstract

IntroductionCurrent gendered health disparities impacting the wellbeing of boys and young men require new early intervention-focussed approaches. Health promotion programs developed with young men’s health needs and preferences in mind commonly report positive outcomes. Male-specific rite of passage programs aim to formally acknowledge the life-stage transition from boyhood to manhood through a holistic focus on identity, community, and social responsibility. While these programs are growing in popularity, there is limited data available on their effectiveness.
 MethodsThis study undertook a pilot evaluation of the Making of Men rite of passage program in a sample of second-ary school boys (n=61, age M=16.0, SD=0.5) and their accompanying fathers or male mentors (n=47, age M=52.1, SD=5.8 years) providing non-matched pre-test, post-test, alongside follow-up data for participating boys. Qualitative interviews were also undertaken with 15 individuals (5 mothers, 6 staff members, 4 fathers).
 ResultsQuantitative program feedback indicated acceptability, with most respondents providing positive feedback, particularly from participating fathers. Exploratory quantitative effects indicated potential improvements in subjective social support and open communication among boys. Fathers appeared to report lower confor-mity to traditional masculine norms post-program, in addition to more open communication. Qualitative interviews identified three main themes: enabling relational bonds, creating a men-specific context, and supporting developmental transitions.
 ConclusionsPositive program acceptability and promising outcome effects highlighted the present rite of passage program as a promising mechanism for supporting healthy masculine identity development among adolescent males.

Understanding the Nexus Between Alcohol Consumption, Social and Emotional Well-Being, and Higher Education Outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Males in Australia

“…Furthermore, temporal associations were identified across all outcomes, with effects strongest for weekly users. 59 The findings were not reported by participants' Indigenous status.…”

“…Silins et al 59 identified significant associations between increasing frequency of alcohol use and lower educational attainment, through the integration of data from three longitudinal studies from Australia and New Zealand. 59 These findings showed 1.33-2.03 times higher odds of high school noncompletion, university nonenrollment, and degree nonattainment for weekly drinkers compared with those who had never used alcohol. Furthermore, temporal associations were identified across all outcomes, with effects strongest for weekly users.…”

“…These include individuals' (and parents' in case of children) low socioeconomic status, 59 parents' low education level, 59 remoteness, 47 Indigeneity (higher rates of abstinence but also higher rates of risky drinking have been reported among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), 50,60 poor mental health, 54,59 and parental and peer factors (e.g., family conflict). 54,59 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience disadvantage on all abovementioned indicators when compared with non-Indigenous Australians, 61 with respective health and social inequities more evident among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males. 47,62 Hence, a multifaceted health promotion and prevention approach tailored to suit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males is crucial to address these factors, with significant potential to achieve a dual benefit of decreasing harmful alcohol use and increasing higher education participation and achievement outcomes.…”

“…47,62 Hence, a multifaceted health promotion and prevention approach tailored to suit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males is crucial to address these factors, with significant potential to achieve a dual benefit of decreasing harmful alcohol use and increasing higher education participation and achievement outcomes. 54,59,63 For the health sector, this could mean more assertively promoting the educational and employment benefits of staying strong and healthy to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males. This could include health education that occurs through schools, sports clubs, and other social settings.…”

“…41 A growing body of research suggests a correlation between education and poor mental health. 41,59 However, there exists limited research into establishing a causal link between the two. The available research suggests that there are mediating factors, such as employment, that are likely to affect this relationship.…”