Date

4-30-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Compared to the female population, it is apparent that American men are struggling academically, resulting in higher drop-out rates for men at the university level and higher rates of retention for women nationwide (Higher Education Policy Institute, 2009). Additionally, men are far less likely than women to seek help for social and emotional issues they are struggling with in order to adhere to masculine ideals (Addis, Reigeluth, & Schwab, 2016). It is hypothesized that this silencing of men’s struggles is related to the lack of willingness to reach out for help academically. The present, qualitative study included interviews with seven diverse adult-male Bridgewater State University (BSU) students who have struggled academically. Thematic analysis of each interview was conducted. Results revealed implicit and explicit patterns of personal, private, and public silence in participants, which reinforced the lack of willingness men have to reach out for help academically. The present study intends to contribute to the closure of the achievement gap between male and female students by better understanding the silence men face in today’s university student life.

Department

Psychology

Thesis Comittee

Joseph Schwab (Thesis Advisor)

Teresa King

Jonathan Holmes

Copyright and Permissions

Original document was submitted as an Honors Program requirement. Copyright is held by the author.

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