Maskulinitetens roll i den psykiska ohälsan bland manliga elever: En kvaliativ studie ur ett skolkuratorsperspektiv

Masculinities role in the mental illness among male students - a qualitative study from a school counsellor’s perspective The aim of the study was to understand how school counsellors speak about masculinity in relation to male student’s mental health. Seven qualitative interviews were held at seven different high schools with seven different counsellors. The interview questions were based on themes relevant to our study. The themes were; Profession, masculinity, mental health and the tendencies to seek help. The analysis was based on Connell’s theory of masculinity and former research in our study. The study shows that societal norms have an impact on male students and their tendencies to seek help. The understanding of masculinity in relation to mental health is an important part of a school counsellors work. Furthermore,the result concludes that there are differences in the way school counsellors’ approach male students in contrast to female student. This is due to the fact that male students have more difficulties expressing their emotions