It Feels a Bit Like Imposter Syndrome : Examining the Issue of Masculinity and Depression in Male College Students

The purpose of this study was to examine how male students navigate depression and masculinity while at their respective institutions. The study explored the topic through analyzing quantitative survey data from the studied university, in addition to hearing male students’ experience with depression and masculinity and considering university counselors’ expert opinions about patterns they observe in male students. The study was guided by the following research questions: Does depression influence how one perceives his own masculinity? Does an individual’s view of masculinity influence their willingness to seek professional help for depression? Major findings surrounding depression and masculinity include depression’s affects on emotions, loneliness, the importance of disclosing to others, and barriers when attempting to seek help from peers and professional counselors. Implications for practice include utilizing campus gatherings as spaces to raise awareness of mental health issues, educating faculty on identifying depression in students, and creating educational programs designed to educate peers—specifically male friends—on how to interact with students suffering from depression