Health Disparities in Vulnerable Boys and Men

Boys and men of color have some of the worst health outcomes in the U.S. In an effort to address the problems facing this population, the Health Disparities Office and members of its Working Group on Health Disparities in Boys and Men have taken part in the following activities.

• Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic and Sexual Minority Boys and Men
  The APA Working Group on Health Disparities in Boys and Men has developed a report presenting a state-of-the-science overview of research examining disparities in health for racial/ethnic and sexual minority boys and men. The report offers recommendations for reducing disparities and improving the overall health and well being of vulnerable men and boys.

• APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Boys and Men (PDF, 445KB)opens in new window
  Boys and men are diverse with respect to their race, ethnicity, culture, migration status, age, socioeconomic status, ability status, sexual orientation, gender identity and religious affiliation.

• Building Blocks for Preschool Success
  The Health Disparities Office has partnered with a multidisciplinary group of experts to compile resources on how best to eliminate preschool suspensions and expulsions, which disproportionately affect children of color, and keep our youngest learners in school.

• Boys Don't Cryopens in new window
  Growing up, boys often hear “Boys Don’t Cry” as a stereotypical test of manhood. However, this stigmatizes normal human emotions, negatively affecting boys and men. In this short film, we want to change the landscape of emotions for boys and change how masculinity is interpreted — we want to let boys know that it is okay to show emotions.

• "Pathways to Behavioral Health Equity: Addressing Disparities Experienced by Boys and Men of Color"
  Conference co-sponsored by APA and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to address the knowledge gap on effective evidence-based interventions for trauma and stress-related disorders in men and boys across racial and ethnic minority groups.

• Improving the Lives of Men of Color
  Former APA CEO Norman B. Anderson, PhD, writes about APA’s efforts on behalf of boys and men of color. From the APA Monitor.

• Health Disparities in Boys and Men: Influence of Masculinity on Health Disparities and Equityopens in new window
  A seminar co-sponsored with the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Aging, and featuring Wizdom Powell, PhD, (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) and Waldo Johnson, PhD, MSW, (University of Chicago) from APA's Health Disparities in Boys and Men Working Group.