Männer in kritischen Lebenslagen: Analyse und Ansätze für Behandlung und Prävention

Biographical status passages and specific challenges in men's worlds tend to generate stress, health damage and point out specific needs. This assessment provides important reference points for the discussion of men-specific therapeutic, preventive or other types of interventions. Furthermore precarious life situations and status passages of men prove to be very complex. While the transition from adolescence to adulthood has met with considerable scientific and political interest, key life transitions of men, which are often linked with addiction or other high risk behaviours have been largely ignored. From this analytical perspective, firstly fatherhood, violence, sexuality and old age are highlighted, Secondly the general finding that men seek much less frequently help is discussed in view of the general health care system and its basic feminine rules and structure. Finally the fit of addiction specific treatment programs with men specific needs is taken up complemented by suggestions for gender role adequate treatment modalities. The article concludes with a look at the neglect of the relationship between ‘masculinity - risk behaviour - addiction' in the area of prevention programs.