Redefining strength: The role of a noncontact boxing intervention in improving social connectedness, mental health and wellbeing for disengaged young men (16–25 years)

Introduction: Engaging young men in mental health interventions remains challenging due to traditional gender norms and social disengagement. Brothers Through Boxing (BTB) is a 24-week program that integrates noncontact boxing with mental health education. This study assesses its appropriateness, effectiveness, and impact on well-being, life satisfaction, social connectedness, and constructions of masculinity. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed. Between November 2020 and March 2022, pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up surveys were administered to 29 participants. Validated tools included: the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS), Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS), and Duke Social Support Index (DSSI), to assess mental well-being, life satisfaction, and social connectedness, respectively. Qualitative data were collected between November and December 2021 through two focus groups ( n = 4; 43 min and n = 5; 54 min) and one interview ( n = 1; 17 min). Results: There was a significant increase in SWEMWBS (post, p < .001; 3 m follow-up, p < .001), LSS (post, p < .001; 3M follow-up, p < .001) and DSSI (post, p < .001; 3 m follow-up, p < .001) scores. High program satisfaction was reported (mean = 3.76; SD = 0.43; range: 1–4, where 4 = very satisfied). Boxing was the primary engagement driver, with peer-led discussions and the Road to Resurgence toolkit crucial for program success and shifting masculine norms. Conclusion: BTB demonstrates promising potential to improve and maintain mental well-being, life satisfaction, and social connectedness in disengaged young men, a group traditionally difficult to engage through conventional therapeutic approaches.