Stigma, Mental Health and the Culture of Help-Seeking Behavior Among Married Male Teachers in Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62843/jssr.v6i4.752Keywords:
Masculinity, Emotional Suppression, Men's Mental Health, Married Male TeachersAbstract
Men's mental well-being continues to be a neglected issue in Pakistan due to the culturally imposed norms of behavior and expectations of masculinity that do not encourage emotional expression and help-seeking. Married male teachers face unique challenges dealing with professional issues while maintaining traditional gender norms. Thus, the present qualitative study is designed to investigate how married male teachers in Pakistan perceive masculinity and emotional suppression and its impact on mental well-being. Twenty married male teachers aged between 25 and 35 years from different educational institutions in Pakistan have been interviewed using the semi-structured interview technique. Thematic analysis in accordance with the methodology suggested by Braun & Clarke (2006) has been employed for data analysis. The analysis has revealed two main themes: "(1) 'Strength' as a Performance" where participants discussed the way in which masculinity was viewed as performing control over emotions despite experiencing deep emotional pain inside; and (2) "Consequences of Silence" where participants theorized about psychological and physical consequences of emotional suppression.
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