This project was conducted from 2012 to 2015. It aimed to update the portrait of men's perceptions regarding their psychosocial and health needs; to better understand the current situation of the relationship between men and health and social services; to describe men's perceptions of their social roles; and finally, to identify courses of action to foster the harmonization of services with men's needs. Four studies were conducted under the research program: a meta-synthesis of the results of 65 Québec studies on men's realities; an analysis of public data obtained from Québec-wide studies and statistical surveys; an online population survey administered to 2,084 Québec men; and an analysis of focus groups involving different groups of men.
This research project contributes to documenting the realities faced by men in Québec.
Five main conclusions can be drawn: 1) while there is a convergence between men and women over time, health and well-being indicators remain a source of concern; 2) a gap persists between men and social and health services: many men are still reluctant to seek help; 3) generational changes can be seen over time; 4) men often seek autonomy; 5) generally, men want to have a more egalitarian relationship with practitioners. These findings suggest five courses of action: 1) prioritize the health and well-being of boys and men in different Québec action plans; 2) deconstruct certain rigid rules governing masculinity; 3) provide better support for men by building on their strengths; 4) develop strategies to bring services to men; 5) target interventions to priority groups and issues.
This four-part research project contributes to documenting the realities faced by men in Québec using a global portrait of men from a social and health perspective and in terms of their relationship with social and health services. We hope that this study will prove useful, especially for practitioners working with men and public administrators.
Main researcher: Gilles Tremblay, Université Laval
Original title: Perceptions des hommes québécois de leurs besoins psychosociaux et de santé
