Purpose
Self-reliance is a widely recognised masculine norm in Australia and is consistently associated with increased suicide risk among men. Prior analyses from Ten to Men (the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health) found that men reporting higher self-reliance were more likely to experience suicidal ideation. However, professional help-seeking did not explain this association. This raises an important question for suicide prevention: if encouraging help-seeking is not sufficient, what mechanisms link self-reliance to suicide risk?
This study will test whether perceived social support mediates the association between self-reliance and subsequent suicidal ideation. We will also explore whether informal help-seeking intentions and enacted informal support contribute to this pathway.
Methods
We will analyse four waves of Ten to Men, a national cohort of Australian males. The exposure is Wave 1 self-reliance (Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory). The primary mediator is Wave 2 perceived social support (MOS Social Support Survey). Exploratory mediators include informal help-seeking intentions (Wave 2) and enacted informal help-seeking (Wave 3). Outcomes are suicidal ideation (PHQ-9 item 9) at Waves 3 and 4. Models will adjust for baseline suicidal ideation and relevant sociodemographic and health covariates. Mediation effects will be estimated using longitudinal regression models to examine total, direct, and indirect associations.
Relevance to suicide prevention in Australia
Understanding whether reduced social support is a pathway linking self-reliance to suicidal ideation has direct implications for prevention strategies targeting boys and men. Rather than focusing solely on encouraging formal service use, findings may support strengthening community and peer-based approaches that build connection and belonging.
Why this matters
If perceived social support mediates this association, prevention efforts may need to prioritise strengthening social connection and supportive networks for men.