Gender roles and help-seeking behaviour: Promoting professional help among Japanese men

• Summary: Japanese gender roles are usually constructed according to tradition, and men are assumed to possess a traditional masculine identity. This article examines the aspects of gender role identity and the socio-demographic factors that predict help-seeking attitudes among Japanese men. Data on 265 Japanese males were measured using the GRCS and ATSPPH-S scales. • Findings: In general, the participants showed a moderate level adherence to traditional gender roles. They were sceptical about the efficacy of professional help and did not actively seek or welcome professional assistance. The findings support the argument that men's orientation towards success, power and competition, and their restricted emotionality have a significant impact on their likelihood to seek professional help. • Application: The implications of these findings on psychological and counselling practices in Japanese society are also discussed. © 2010 The Author(s).