Men’s experiences with break-ups

by | Aug 13, 2022

Study findings debunk myths about men not being open to getting support after a breakup.

The UBC Men’s Health Research program’s Men Building Better Relationships study was designed to learn about supporting men who had experienced or were experiencing relationship breakdown (i.e., divorce, separation or break up).

Men’s experiences with break-ups49 men between the ages of 26-70 participated in the study. More than half of the participants were parents, and had been in relationships ranging from 5 months to 28 years in length. The study found:

  • Many men did not want to or shied away from sharing their true feelings and opinions with their partners for fear of conflict and/or the relationship ending.
  • 50% of relationship break-ups were initiated by men’s partners.
  • Men in distressed relationships, denied or monitored their emotions rather than acting on what they felt. 
  • 92% of men talked to friends and/or family when they needed help. 
  • After a break-up, most men reconnected with aspects of themselves they had given up during their relationships. 

The study was open to men living in Australia or Canada who had experienced a relationship breakdown and handled it on their own, or had accessed services (i.e., counselling, workshops, other resources) to support them through the change.

 

 

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