What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of workshops in changing help-seeking intentions among adolescent boys.

February 5, 2026Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior0 citations

Cluster Randomized Trial of the Impact of the Breaking the Man Code Workshops on Adolescent Boys' Intentions to Seek Help

KKKylie KingMonash University ACAnna ClarkMonash University JTJudy TrevenaThe University of Melbourne

Key Points

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of workshops in changing help-seeking intentions among adolescent boys.
Conducted a cluster randomized trial with 1225 boys from 24 Australian secondary schools.
Randomized 13 schools to intervention and 11 schools to waitlist control.
Measured primary outcome of intent to seek help 4 to 8 weeks after baseline.
Collected data on secondary outcomes such as conformity to masculine norms and depression risk.
No significant difference in help-seeking intentions between intervention and control groups (p = 0.937).
Increased help-offering and connection with friends reported in qualitative feedback.
Identified potential barriers to changing masculine norms and help-seeking behavior.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Suicide is a leading cause of death among young males in Australia. Tomorrow Man's “Breaking the Man Code” workshops aim to challenge potentially harmful masculine norms and promote positive attitudes towards help‐seeking among adolescent boys in schools. Methods Our stratified cluster randomized trial was undertaken with 1225 boys (mean (SD) age = 15.04 (0.74) years) across 24 Australian secondary schools: 13 randomized to intervention, 11 to waitlist control. Primary outcome was mean change in intentions to seek help for personal or emotional problems 4 to 8 weeks from baseline. Secondary outcomes included conformity to masculine norms, depression risk, perceived social support, and quality of life. Purpose‐designed closed‐ended questions captured other behavioral and attitudinal changes. The trial was prospectively registered with ANZCTR. Results Estimated mean change in scores from baseline between the two groups on the primary outcome was −0.07 (95% confidence interval: −1.75, 1.62; p = 0.937). Purpose‐designed questions revealed increased help‐offering, connection with friends, and some potential barriers to change. Conclusions Further research is needed to understand the impacts of school‐based interventions for boys. Trial Registration Prospectively registered with ANZCTR: ACTRN12620001134910

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