Title of project: What are men’s experiences of psychological services for common mental
health problems, and how can these be improved?
Director of Studies: Professor Brendan Gough
Second Supervisor: Professor Steve Robertson
Overview of project
We know that men access psychological therapies less than women, and when they do they often
drop out early. Men are also more likely to commit suicide and deal with mental health problems in
risky ways compared to women (e.g. alcohol misuse). This research will use qualitative methods (e.g.
interviews) with men who have been referred to psychological services to ascertain why so many do
not attend their initial assessment once referred, or drop out early – and also why certain men
complete their therapy programme. Interviewees will provide valuable feedback on current provision
and offer suggestions for improving psychological services.
Link to NHS Priorities:
Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) is a key NHS priority - it is well established that
psychological therapies are effective, evidence-based interventions for common mental health
problems such as anxiety and depression (NICE, 2011). We know that men access psychological
therapies less than women (35% v 65% - Clark et al., 2009), and when they do they often drop out
early. There are huge costs associated with unmet mental health needs (Layard, 2006), and we know
that men are more likely to commit suicide and deal with mental health problems in health damaging
ways compared to women (e.g. alcohol misuse).
Link to Faculty Research Themes:
The proposed research connects research within Men’s Health and Health Psychology, both key
themes within the Institute of Health & Wellbeing (IHW). The topic of men’s mental health is important
and clearly links to the core IHW focus on wellbeing, while the research proposal explicitly promises
real world impact (improving service provision), another central concern of IHW. The proposal also
links to current research initiatives within IHW, including a funding proposal to the EU COST
programme to establish a European network of researchers working on men’s mental health (Gough,
submitted) and the work being undertaken with Movember around men’s mental health and access to
services (led by Robertson).
Outline of project including proposed timescales:
The research will use qualitative methods (e.g. interviews) with men who have been referred to
psychological services to ascertain the reasons why so many men do not attend their initial
assessment once referred, or drop out early – and also why certain men complete their therapy
programme. These men can tell us about difficulties in accessing or completing psychological
therapy, as well as any benefits experienced. They will provide valuable feedback on current provision
and offer suggestions for better 'male-friendly' psychological services. Mental health professionals
may also be interviewed to gain further insights into men’s engagement with psychological services.
Further information
To apply you must be eligible for NHS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) funding and have
the support of your line manager in writing. General enquiries should be directed by email to the
Faculty Research Director r.hogston@leedsbeckett.ac.uk to discuss the project further please contact
the Director of Studies https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/research/brendan-gough.htm
https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/research/professor-steve-robertson.htm
Applications should be made on line here
http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/research-studentships-andfees-only-bursaries/