The Interdependence of African American Men's Definitions of Manhood and Health.
In this article, we explore themes that cut across how 24- to 77-year-old African American men define manhood and health. Utilizing a thematic approach, we analyzed data from 9 focus groups (N = 73). We found that manhood and health were relational constructs that are interrelated in men's minds and experiences. Manhood and health were defined by the characteristics men embody, the behaviors men engage in, and the goals and values men had to positively influence their families and communities. Thus, manhood and health are interdependent constructs and their interrelationship should be considered in efforts to promote African American men's health.
Institute for Research on Men's Health, Center for Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (Drs Griffith and Brinkley-Rubinstein); Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology, Jackson State University, and Center for Health of Minority Males, Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities, Jackson, Mississippi (Dr Bruce); Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Program for Research on Men's Health, Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Thorpe); and Center for Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (Dr Metzl).
Derek M
DM
Griffith
Lauren
L
Brinkley-Rubinstein
Marino A
MA
Bruce
Roland J
RJ
Thorpe
Jonathan M
JM
Metzl
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004291:Dominance-Subordination; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D057228:Masculinity; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D014481:United States