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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insights INSIGHT
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
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This book provides a balanced perspective on male psychology, covering topics such as child development, education, mental health, and masculinity. It aims to address the underexplored issues affecting men and boys, such as high rates of suicide and substance abuse, by considering the roles of evolution, biology, and culture in shaping male behavior.
Manhood in the Making
Cultural Concepts of Masculinity
David D. Gilmore
In 'Manhood in the Making', David D. Gilmore conducts a comprehensive cross-cultural analysis of manhood as an achieved status. The book explores how societies worldwide define and attain masculinity, often through rites of passage and cultural expectations. Gilmore argues that manhood is not a natural condition but a state that boys must strive to achieve against societal challenges.
Iron John
A Book About Men
Robert Bly
In this book, Robert Bly uses the Grimm fairy tale 'Iron John' to analyze and redefine traditional notions of masculinity. Bly draws on Jungian psychology and mythology to outline a journey of male maturation, emphasizing the importance of male initiation rites, the role of the 'Wild Man' archetype, and the need for men to balance their emotional and instinctual selves. The book is a seminal work in the mythopoetic men's movement and has been influential in discussions about modern masculinity[2][3][5].
Several years ago, the American Psychological Association issued a set of guidelines for psychologists working with boys and men. Guideline #1 says: "Psychologists strive to recognize that masculinities are constructed based on social, cultural, and contextual norms." Guideline #3 says: "Psychologists understand the impact of power, privilege, and sexism on the development of boys and men and on their relationships with others."
My guest says that these guidelines miss the mark, and are just one indicator of the way in which the world of psychology misunderstands, and consequently underserves, men.
Dr. John Barry is a psychologist, the co-founder of the Male Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society and the Centre for Male Psychology, as well as the co-author of the Perspectives in Male Psychology textbook. Today on the show, John unpacks the issues with thinking that masculinity is purely a social construct and that men's problems grow out of their power and privilege, and how these issues prevent men from getting the help they need. In the second half of our conversation, we discuss the surprising origin of the idea of toxic masculinity, what really defines masculinity, and what effect internalizing a negative or positive view of masculinity has on men. We end our conversation with what works for men's mental health and well-being if you don't want to go to therapy, and what you should look for in a therapist if you do.
After the show is over, check out the show notes at aom.is/malepysch
The Art of Manliness 
