Dr John Barry examines male psychology and mental health in new book

An alarming number of men experience serious mental health issues – in the UK on an average day 12 men will take their own lives in comparison to 4 women, according to the Office of National Statistics.  

Dr John Barry, lead editor of the book, said: “The suicide statistic is alarming in itself, but what’s also alarming is the fact that psychology as a discipline tends not to show much curiosity about why men are more likely to take their own lives.

“This handbook, with 32 chapters, four editors and 50 authors, represents a massive step forward in understanding and treating men’s mental health problems.”

The handbook brings together experts from across the world to discuss male psychology and mental health, from prenatal development, through childhood, adolescence, and fatherhood.

Men and masculinity are explored from multiple perspectives including evolutionary, cross-cultural, cognitive, biological, developmental, and existential viewpoints, with an emphasis on practical suggestions and demonstrations of successful clinical work with men. New theories provide readers with an evidence-based understanding of men’s mental health issues and how to treat them.

Dr Barry is a chartered psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Honorary Lecturer in Psychology at UCL. He is also a co-founder of the Male Psychology Network, and the Male Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society.

Together with colleagues at the Male Psychology Network, Dr Barry has carried out several research projects which have shed light on the causes of men’s mental health problems and the approaches most likely to help them. This research informs some key parts of this book.

The official book launch will take place on 30^th May from 18:30 – 19:30 in the AV Hill lecture theatre of the Anatomy Building, Gower Street, UCL. Most places at the launch will be by invitation, but a limited number of places will also be available for free to staff at UCL and the public (contact Dr Barry for details).

Links

• The Palgrave Handbook of Male Psychology and Mental Health  
• Dr John Barry 
• UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences 
• Male Psychology Network 
• Register to attend launch