Boys believe discussing problems is a waste of time and weird, says study

Article here. Excerpt:

'COLUMBIA, Mo. — Boys don't discuss their problems because they feel it's a waste of time, says a new study from the University of Missouri.

"For years, psychologists have insisted that boys and men would like to talk about their problems but are held back by fears of embarrassment or appearing weak," said Amanda J. Rose, associate professor of psychological sciences in the university's College of Arts and Sciences.

When researchers asked young people about how talking about their problems would make them feel, boys responded that they didn't see talking about problems to be a useful activity, the study says. Boys didn't express angst or distress about discussing problems any more than girls.
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"An implication is that parents should encourage their children to adopt a middle ground when discussing problems," Rose said. "For boys, it would be helpful to explain that, at least for some problems, some of the time, talking about their problems is not a waste of time."

Helping boys see some utility in talking about problems may be more effective," Rose said.

"On the other hand, many girls are at risk for excessive problem talk, which is linked with depression and anxiety," Rose said. "So girls should know that talking about problems isn't the only way to cope."'