Indigenous men’s support groups and social and emotional wellbeing: a meta-synthesis of the evidence

McCalman, Janya, Tsey, Komla, Wenitong, Mark, Wilson, Andrew, McEwan, Alexandra, Cadet-James, Yvonne, and Whiteside, Mary (2010) Indigenous men’s support groups and social and emotional wellbeing: a meta-synthesis of the evidence. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 16 (2). pp. 159-166.

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Abstract

Indigenous men’s support groups are designed to empower men to take greater control and responsibility for their health and wellbeing. They provide health education sessions, counseling, men’s health clinics, diversionary programs for men facing criminal charges, cultural activities, drug- and alcohol-free social events, and advocacy for resources. Despite there being approximately 100 such groups across Australia, there is a dearth of literature on their strategies and outcomes. This paper is based on participatory action research involving two north Queensland groups which were the subject of a series of five “phased” evaluative reports between 2002 and 2007. By applying ‘meta-ethnography’ to the five studies, we identified four themes which provide new interpretations of the data. Self-reported benefits included improved social and emotional wellbeing, modest lifestyle modifications and willingness to change current notions of “gendered” roles within the home, such as sharing housework. Our qualitative research to date suggests that through promoting empowerment, wellbeing and social cohesion for men and their families, men’s support groups may be saving costs through reduced expenditure on health care, welfare, and criminal justice costs, and higher earnings.

Item ID: 11193
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1836-7399
Keywords: men’s support group; Aboriginal; empowerment; synthesis; health; social and emotional wellbeing
Date Deposited: 08 Sep 2010 01:31
FoR Codes: 13 EDUCATION > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130399 Specialist Studies in Education not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9203 Indigenous Health > 920301 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Determinants of Health @ 60%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920413 Social Structure and Health @ 20%
92 HEALTH > 9205 Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) > 920505 Mens Health @ 20%
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