British Psychological Society response to the Women and Equalities Committee

Mental health of men and boys inquiry

The British Psychological Society, incorporated by Royal Charter, is the learned and professional body
for psychologists in the United Kingdom. We are a registered charity with a total membership of just
over 50,000.

Under its Royal Charter, the objective of the British Psychological Society is "to promote the
advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of psychology pure and applied and especially to
promote the efficiency and usefulness of members by setting up a high standard of professional
education and knowledge". We are committed to providing and disseminating evidence-based
expertise and advice, engaging with policy and decision makers, and promoting the highest standards
in learning and teaching, professional practice and research.

The British Psychological Society is an examining body granting certificates and diplomas in specialist
areas of professional applied psychology.

Publication and Queries

We are content for our response, as well as our name and address, to be made public. We are also
content for the Women and Equalities Committee to contact us in the future in relation to this inquiry.

Please direct all queries to:-

Joe Liardet, Policy Advice Administrator (Consultations)
The British Psychological Society, 48 Princess Road East, Leicester, LE1 7DR
Email: consult@bps.org.uk Tel: 0116 252 9936

About this Response

The response was led on behalf of the Society by:

With contributions from:

We hope you find our comments useful.

Mental health of men and boys inquiry

British Psychological Society
February 2019

1
 British Psychological Society response to the Women and Equalities Committee

Mental health of men and boys inquiry

What are the most pressing issues that affect men and boys’ mental health, and how
are these different to the wider population?

1. Comments:

What are the social and economic costs of poor mental health in men and boys?

2. Comments:

What is the effect of the following on men and boys’ mental health:
 Gender stereotyping in childhood
 Gendered expectations around work
 Fatherhood
 Media portrayals of masculinity
 Household finances
 Relationship and family breakdown?

3. Comments:

Mental health of men and boys inquiry

British Psychological Society
February 2019

2
 What issues other than access to healthcare affect the mental health of men and
boys?

4. Comments:

Which groups of men and boys are particularly at risk of poor mental health and what
is leading to this?

5. Comments:

What measures are needed to most effectively tackle poor mental health in men and
boys and what are the barriers that prevent these being implemented?

6. Comments:

How effective has Government policy been in improving mental health outcomes for
men and boys?

7. Comments:

Mental health of men and boys inquiry

British Psychological Society
February 2019

3
 How effective are the following at tackling poor mental health in men and boys:
- NHS England
- Public Health England
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
- Local Authorities
- Schools
- Local support groups, faith groups, carers, friends and family

8. Comments:

References

End.

Mental health of men and boys inquiry

British Psychological Society
February 2019