The Art of Manliness What the World of Psychology Gets Wrong About Men
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Apr 10, 2023 Dr. John Barry, a psychologist and co-founder of the Male Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society, dives into the misconceptions surrounding masculinity and mental health. He critiques the American Psychological Association’s guidelines, arguing they misrepresent masculinity as merely a social construct. The conversation highlights the origins of toxic masculinity and emphasizes the importance of positive male role models. Barry also discusses effective mental health strategies for men, including the value of informal support networks over traditional therapy.
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John Barry's Path to Male Psychology
- John Barry initially focused on women's mental health, particularly PCOS, which involves elevated testosterone.
- This indirectly led him to male psychology by highlighting the inverse impact of testosterone on men.
Psychology's Shortcomings in Addressing Men's Issues
- Psychology often misunderstands and underserves men, despite acknowledging problems like boys falling behind in school and male suicide rates.
- Societal discussions and psychological solutions frequently lack evidence-based approaches.
Misconceptions about Masculinity
- The APA guideline stating masculinity is purely a social construct is misleading and ignores biological factors like testosterone's influence.
- Men's reluctance towards traditional therapy might stem from evolved differences and societal pressures.
