Men & Women's Health: This Module/Week Deals With Men's And

Men & Women's Health This module/week deals with men’s and women’s unique wellness characteristics.

Men and women exhibit distinct wellness characteristics that influence their health approaches and outcomes. Women often prioritize holistic and preventative care, addressing reproductive health, mental wellness, and social support systems (Kuhlmann et al., 2017). Conversely, men tend to favor more action-oriented interventions focused on physical fitness and disease prevention, often influenced by societal expectations of masculinity (Courtenay, 2000). These differences necessitate tailored wellness strategies that respect gender-specific needs.

Psychological aspects of coaching also differ between genders. Women may seek emotional support and validation during coaching processes, requiring coaches to employ empathetic listening and emotional intelligence. Men, however, might prefer problem-solving approaches that emphasize action and goal-setting, requiring clarity and directness (Nolen-Hoeksema & Davis, 2019). Understanding these psychological nuances helps coaches adapt their strategies to effectively motivate and support clients across genders.

Barriers to well-being also vary by gender. Women often face barriers such as caregiving responsibilities, societal pressures, and healthcare disparities, which hinder their pursuit of health. Men, meanwhile, may encounter societal stigma around expressing vulnerability, leading to reluctance in seeking help or discussing mental health issues (Addis & Mahalik, 2003). Recognizing these barriers enables the development of targeted interventions that promote equitable access to wellness resources for both genders.

References

• Addis, M. E., & Mahalik, J. R. (2003). Men, masculinity, and the contexts of help seeking. American Psychologist, 58(1), 5–14. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.58.1.5
• Courtenay, W. H. (2000). Constructions of masculinity and their influence on men's well-being: A theory of gender and health. Social Science & Medicine, 50(10), 1385–1401. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0277-9536(99)00390-1
• Kuhlmann, E., Batenburg, R., & Janse, M. (2017). Gender and health workforce issues: A global perspective. International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 6(8), 457–462. https://doi.org/10.15171/ijhpm.2017.42
• Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Davis, C. G. (2019). Women and depression. In R. H. Buitelaar & P. M. M. M. R. W. Van Amelsvoort (Eds.), Handbook of Clinical Psychology (pp. 347–363). Springer.