Yes / This study investigates how men’s body image develops over time. 14 men aged between 45 and 67 years completed in-depth interviews where they discussed their body image since childhood, prompted in some cases by photographs of themselves at different ages that they brought to the interviews. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. From the participants’ accounts it was evident that body concerns did not steadily improve or worsen, but waxed and waned over time. Results are discussed in relation to understanding changing body concerns in men’s lives, and the implications of these for future research and practice.

Studies on sexual behaviour in Nigeria have rather been lopsided largely focussing on adolescents while neglecting the older men. This may not be unconnected with the fact that the young people are often seen as being more sexually active than the older men. In this study, the patterns and the determinants of sexual behaviour of middle-aged men were investigated. This study is based on secondary data analysis of the 2003 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey male dataset. Data collected from a sample of 633 men whose ages fall between 40 and 59 years in Nigeria were extracted and analysed to achieve the set objectives. The variables of interest were analysed by using relevant statistical techniques with the aid of SAS enterprise guide. Sexual behaviour was measured by three variables namely: current sexual activity, extra marital partnership and condom use. Also, three hypotheses were tested. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was the theoretical model used for this study. The study shows that a high proportion of men (71.2%) aged 40-59 years in Nigeria are sexually active. The study further reveals that about 12% of Nigerian middle-aged men engage in extramarital sex and 30% are in polygynous relationships (i.e. have multiple sex partners) while condom use is very low among them. Extramarital sex is more prevalent in the rural (7.05%) than urban (4.5%) areas. The study shows that the correlates of current sexual activity among the middle-aged men in Nigeria are education and religion while engagement in extramarital sexual activity is determined by ethnicity, age at first intercourse and knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Among the sexually active ones, condom use is influenced by ethnicity, marriage type and extramarital partnership. The sexual behaviour of middle-aged men in Nigeria follows the pattern described in the HBM. That is, individual, socio-economic and HIV/AIDS factors can influence the sexual behaviour of Middle-aged men. The study concludes that in addressing the problems associated with sexual and reproductive health of Nigerian, focus should also be extended to middle-aged men, instead of the narrow focus on only adolescents and youths. Further investigation, using multiple methods of data collection is also suggested.

Research into transitions which explore the personal changes of those undergoing them, especially men, are still rare, particularly in regards to a changing sense of self and life world. Research into the movement of men out of hierarchy, the dominant structures of work institutions in the western world, is rarer still. Using hermeneutic and phenomenological frameworks, this study tracks the journeys of six men by in-depth interviews and discussions as they move out of hierarchical structures to recreate their work and, in varying degrees, themselves. As a means of looking beyond events, and for their metaphoric and philosophic perspectives, the Hero and Phoenix myths are used to further explore levels of meaning identified within the transition processes. Drawing on the work of Jung, Bridges, Neville, Campbell, O’Connor and Gareth Hill, the six stages into which I have organised the transitions are compared to the six key phases of the Phoenix myth. A Jungian framework informs the interpretation of the underlying significances demonstrated in the men’s processes of regeneration. The men’s individual responses to their transitions are also identified and described, from subjective and proactive perspectives. Changes in the men’s self perceptions and their changing relationships to authority, brought about by their shifting loci of control, are documented. Analysis of the stages most likely to be suitable for proactive intervention (as conscious or organised responses to the process), are indicated. Primary and secondary preconditions for successful transitions out of hierarchies are postulated. The men’s self-reflections illuminate experiences of uncertainty and clarity, confidence and exploration, compartmentalisation and synthesis. The role of an ‘inner voice’ (an unchanging core identity) and their changing relationship with these aspects of Self, is articulated as critical factors in the men’s ‘successful’ transitions. Integral to this research is the concept that the power of an individual’s experience can inform those who share a similar experience. Therefore applications of the research, and strategies to manage and facilitate transitions out of hierarchical environments, are suggested. This thesis is written in support of my hypothesis that transitions can be mapped; that they are journeys on several levels of personal and practical transformation; and that to proactively engage with transition processes requires not only an understanding of the stages of the process itself, but also an understanding that changes in self-perception and self-relationship will also occur for those undergoing them. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This grounded theory study investigated the experiences of 18 middle class, middle aged men who lost long term employment because of organizational restructuring. Limited research had previously been conducted in this area and this study extends our understanding about the impact of job loss on people who have lost long term employment. The purpose of the study was to explicate the lived experiences of these men and generate an explanation and model of how they reconstructed their understanding of career following job loss from long term employment. The men's experience of job loss and how they constructed career after the loss of long term employment were explained through a dynamic and interacting four stage process model of the dissolution of career. Stage 1, establishing career, explained how the men came to understand career as a relationship. For these men, career, as a relationship, was based on trust and was comprised of reciprocal terms believed to exist between the "good employee" and the "good employer." Over time, by fulfilling the terms of reciprocity, a psychological contract was established between the men and their employers. This contract contained mutual obligations, such as, employment security in exchange for employee commitment, loyalty, hard work, and sacrifice. Stage 2, the termination of employment, revealed how the experience of job loss signified a violation of the psychological contract. The men believed they had complied with the psychological contract; however, the employer's failure to provide employment security represented a violation of the psychological contract. This violation was a highly emotional experience, tantamount to a betrayal. Although compensation could represent the employer's effort to honour the employer/employee relationship, compensation in the form of severance pay was not adequate. Stage 3, disengaging from career, signified the period of time during which the men attempted to come to terms with the loss of career. The men attempted to secure new employment in a world of work different from the world in which they had begun their careers. Although the men sought employment that promoted the employer/employee relationship of career, seeking work revealed career as they had known it was unlikely in the new world of work. Past experience and educational upgrading had little effect on their ability to secure employment. Employers favoured inexpensive labour, immediate skills, and short term working relationships with employees. Generally, the men found themselves working in unstable jobs for less money. The men who secured stable work, gained job security through union membership or self employment instead of relying on the employer/employee relationship. The men's experiences during this stage underscored the experiences of the second stage. Stage 4, the dearth of career, represented the outcome of the men's experiences of the preceding stages. Although the men maintained previous definitions of career, they stated they had lost career and that career is no longer possible in the context of the new world of work. They were less trusting of employers. They favoured a transactional orientation towards work and stressed self interest in work relationships. Whereas, career provided a major source of purpose and meaning in the past, they constructed new purpose and meaning in life by reprioritizing other relationships in their lives, that is, with self, family, and friends. One wonders, however, whether life seemed less meaningful for the men who participated in this study because they maintained their definitions of career.

The purpose of this study was to compare selected kinematic characteristics of distance runners over a twenty year period. The subjects in the investigation were 14 long distance runners who at the time of the first observation were considered highly trained (running more than 50 miles per week). The second observation occurred approximately 20-23 years after the first observation. At this time the average weekly mileage per runner had decreased to 37 miles per week. The first observation's data were collected with a Locam camera at film speeds ranging from 60 to 120 frames/second. The film data were digitized at the same time as the second observation's data. The second observation's data were collected with a Panasonic 5000 shutter video camera. The Peak Performance Motion Measurement System video interface allowed a 60 frame/second field rate. Ten subjects ran at a speed of 3.4 m/s; two subjects at the speeds of 3.1 and 3.6 m/s; and one subject at each of the following speeds: 4.0, 4.5, and 4.9 m/s. Statistical analyses (ANOVA) of the stride length, stride frequency, support and non-support time, and joint angular displacement indicated no significant difference (p > .05) between the first observation and the second observation. The results of this study indicated that the kinematics of continually active long distance runners do not change with an increase in age. / School of Physical Education

Thesis (D. Min.)--Erskine Theological Seminary, 1995. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 135-141).

This grounded theory study investigated the experiences of 18 middle class, middle aged men who lost long term employment because of organizational restructuring. Limited research had previously been conducted in this area and this study extends our understanding about the impact of job loss on people who have lost long term employment. The purpose of the study was to explicate the lived experiences of these men and generate an explanation and model of how they reconstructed their understanding of career following job loss from long term employment. The men's experience of job loss and how they constructed career after the loss of long term employment were explained through a dynamic and interacting four stage process model of the dissolution of career. Stage 1, establishing career, explained how the men came to understand career as a relationship. For these men, career, as a relationship, was based on trust and was comprised of reciprocal terms believed to exist between the "good employee" and the "good employer." Over time, by fulfilling the terms of reciprocity, a psychological contract was established between the men and their employers. This contract contained mutual obligations, such as, employment security in exchange for employee commitment, loyalty, hard work, and sacrifice. Stage 2, the termination of employment, revealed how the experience of job loss signified a violation of the psychological contract. The men believed they had complied with the psychological contract; however, the employer's failure to provide employment security represented a violation of the psychological contract. This violation was a highly emotional experience, tantamount to a betrayal. Although compensation could represent the employer's effort to honour the employer/employee relationship, compensation in the form of severance pay was not adequate. Stage 3, disengaging from career, signified the period of time during which the men attempted to come to terms with the loss of career. The men attempted to secure new employment in a world of work different from the world in which they had begun their careers. Although the men sought employment that promoted the employer/employee relationship of career, seeking work revealed career as they had known it was unlikely in the new world of work. Past experience and educational upgrading had little effect on their ability to secure employment. Employers favoured inexpensive labour, immediate skills, and short term working relationships with employees. Generally, the men found themselves working in unstable jobs for less money. The men who secured stable work, gained job security through union membership or self employment instead of relying on the employer/employee relationship. The men's experiences during this stage underscored the experiences of the second stage. Stage 4, the dearth of career, represented the outcome of the men's experiences of the preceding stages. Although the men maintained previous definitions of career, they stated they had lost career and that career is no longer possible in the context of the new world of work. They were less trusting of employers. They favoured a transactional orientation towards work and stressed self interest in work relationships. Whereas, career provided a major source of purpose and meaning in the past, they constructed new purpose and meaning in life by reprioritizing other relationships in their lives, that is, with self, family, and friends. One wonders, however, whether life seemed less meaningful for the men who participated in this study because they maintained their definitions of career. / Education, Faculty of / Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of / Graduate

Background: A growing body of evidence has found links between endocrine disruptor phthalates and male reproductive disorders, but the mechanisms underlying these relationships are poorly known. Seminal plasma metabolomes may mediate associations of phthalate exposure with impaired semen quality. Objective: To identify seminal plasma metabolomes associated with poor semen quality and evaluate their associations with urinary phthalate metabolites among 660 Chinese adult men. Method: The seminal plasma metabolic profiles were acquired using an untargeted approach based on liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. We explored the differences in seminal plasma metabolites between participants with poor and good semen quality and evaluated cross-sectional associations between discriminatory metabolic biomarkers and urinary phthalate metabolites. Results: Differences between poor and good semen quality groups were observed in relation to 25 seminal plasma metabolites, mostly related to the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and acylcarnitine (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for various confounders and multiple tests, metabolites were all significantly associated with one or more individual sperm quality parameters (motility, concentration, total count, and morphology) (all p < 0.05). Among identified metabolic biomarkers, seminal plasma L-palmitoylcarnitine, linoelaidyl carnitine, and oleic acid were inversely associated with urinary mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), and seminal plasma L-acetylcarnitine was inversely associated with the proportion of di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate metabolites (DEHP) excreted as MEHP in urine (%MEHP) (all p < 0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that oleic acid and L-acetylcarnitine mediated significant proportions (6.7% and 17%, respectively) of the positive associations between urinary DEHP metabolites and the percentage of spermatozoa with an abnormal head. Conclusions: Elevated urinary phthalate metabolites may impact semen quality by causing metabolic disorders of seminal plasma PUFAs and acylcarnitine. These pathways warrant further investigation.

本研究是一項關於北京中年抑鬱症患者主觀經驗的敘事分析。研究的目的在於探尋患者對於自身患病歷程的主觀詮釋，他們的服務需求以及對於中國大陸精神衛生社會工作進行反思。研究的參與對象為目的性抽樣所得到的來自北京的一個抑鬱癥自助團體的八名中年抑鬱癥患者。 / 患者回顧了他們不同階段的經歷：發病期、住院期以及康復期。然後他們對於這些經歷做了詮釋。基於不同領域的社會服務需求，對於醫院、社區、大眾傳媒以及政府，他們都給出了寶貴的意見。 / 研究發現，既有的理論觀點對於關著對自身經歷的詮釋有著重要的影響，尤其是生物醫學模型。認知觀點和性別觀點也可以在患者們的敘事中找到蹤跡。精神科醫生在患者的整個經歷中都處於重要的地位，他們的觀點和行為對患者也產生了重要的影響。 / 患者還受到社會和歷史因素的影響。他們的詮釋會受到社會觀念和文化價值的影響，比如命運、面子、孝順以及性別角色等等。而歷史事件諸如文化大革命以及天安門事件也會對他們的人生經歷以及他們的主觀詮釋造成影響。而中國目前的社會情境也是另一項重要的影響因素。 / 從他們的故事中，我們可以看到，最重要的主題就是他們在患病過程中認知模式的轉變，包括對待抑鬱癥本身，所接受的服務以及自身的看法。在他們的敘述中，另外兩個主題也是非常值得注意的，那就是和抑鬱症有關的“喪失以及醫院裡非人道的治療方式。 / 他們的故事為我們對於北京中年抑鬱症患者經歷的理解提供了非常豐富詳實的材料。這些發現對於知識理論的發展、政策的制定以及針對抑鬱症患者的臨床社會工作實踐都有著很大的啟示。整個社會以及不同領域的精神衛生專業人士都應該攜起手來幫助他們，共同去創造一個更加包容和諧的社會。 / This research was a narrative analysis of the subjective experiences of the depressed middle-aged adults in Beijing, China. The purposes of the research were to explore the clients’ subjective interpretation of their lived experience of depression, their service needs and reflect on the improvement of mental health social work in Mainland China. A purposive sample of eight depressed clients from a self-help group in a mental health hospital in Beijing participated in this study. / The clients talked about their experiences at different stages: the onset, in the hospital and the rehabilitation, and interpreted their experiences. They also gave some advice to the hospital, the community, the mass media and the government based on their social service needs. / The theoretical perspectives influenced the clients’ interpretations of their experiences, especially the biomedical model. The cognitive perspective and the gender perspective could also be found in the client’s narratives. The psychiatrists were very important in the whole process of the clients’ experiences. Their perspectives and behaviors also influenced the clients. / It is found that the clients were also influenced by social and historical factors. Their interpretations were affected by social beliefs and cultural values such as fate, face, filial piety and gender roles. The historical events such as Cultural Revolution and June.4th Movement also affected their experiences and interpretations. The current social context in China was another important factor affecting them. / From their stories, we could see that the main theme was change of their cognitive styles, including view of depression, service and themselves. Another two themes were highlighted in their narratives as well: the linkage of their losses with depression and the dehumanized treatment in the hospital. / Their stories have provided comprehensive materials for an in-depth understanding of depressed middle-aged adults in Beijing. Based on the findings, recommendations are made to knowledge development, policymakers and clinical social workers in helping the depressed clients. It is necessary for our society and mental health professionals in different areas to work together to help them and build an inclusive society. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Shi, Song. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 228-245). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts and appendixes also in Chinese. / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Rationale of the study --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Background of the study --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Research Questions --- p.3 / Chapter 1.4 --- Purposes and significance of the research --- p.4 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Literature Review --- p.7 / Chapter 2.1 --- Adult depression --- p.7 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Definition of adults’ depression --- p.7 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Different perspectives on “depression“ --- p.9 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Social factors associated with adult depression --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Cultural influences in Chinese society --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2 --- Treatment of depressed adults --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Psychotherapy --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Medication --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3 --- Research on subjective experiences of people with mental disorders --- p.39 / Chapter 2.4 --- Research on depression in Mainland China --- p.48 / Chapter 2.5 --- The roles of social work in mental health services --- p.51 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Research Methodology --- p.58 / Chapter 3.1 --- Paradigmatic Considerations --- p.58 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Social constructionism --- p.58 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Social construction and mental illness --- p.61 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Theoretical Framework --- p.63 / Chapter 3.2 --- Research Design --- p.70 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Qualitative research strategy --- p.70 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Sampling strategies --- p.75 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Data collection procedures --- p.84 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Data analysis procedures --- p.86 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Strategies for validating findings --- p.88 / Chapter 3.3 --- Ethical issues --- p.91 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Research findings --- p.93 / Chapter 4.1 --- The experiences of the participants --- p.93 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- The experience during the onset of depression --- p.94 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- The experience in hospital --- p.118 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- The experience in the rehabilitation period --- p.131 / Chapter 4.2 --- The interpretation of their experiences --- p.142 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- The interpretation of the process of suffering from depression --- p.143 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- The interpretation of the process of recovery --- p.148 / Chapter 4.3 --- Advice on their needs --- p.154 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- The hospital --- p.154 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- The community --- p.159 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Mass media --- p.161 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- The government --- p.164 / Chapter 4.4 --- Summary --- p.170 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Discussion and Recommendation --- p.171 / Chapter 5.1 --- Characteristics of the participants in this study --- p.171 / Chapter 5.2 --- Social and historical factors affecting the clients’ interpretation of suffering from depression --- p.173 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Social beliefs and cultural values --- p.174 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Social context --- p.183 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Historical events --- p.184 / Chapter 5.3 --- Themes --- p.186 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Change of Cognitive Style --- p.187 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- The linkage of loss with depression --- p.190 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- The dehumanized treatment of hospitalization --- p.193 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- The interrelationships among the themes --- p.195 / Chapter 5.4 --- Revisiting the proposed conceptual framework --- p.197 / Chapter 5.5 --- Significance and recommendations --- p.200 / Chapter 5.5.1 --- Significance and recommendations --- p.201 / Chapter 5.5.2 --- Limitations --- p.214 / Chapter Appendix A: --- Possible Probes for interview (English Version & Chinese Version) --- p.218 / Chapter Appendix B: --- Oral Consent form (English Version & Chinese version) --- p.225 / References --- p.228

In this thesis, Kochman examines the textual references to poetry in contemporary playwright Tracy Letts's "Man from Nebraska," "August: Osage County," and "Superior Donuts" and explores how specific references function as a "poetic exchange" between the protagonists and the respective agents of change or moral touchstones in each play and how these "poetic exchanges" suggest a diminishment or elevation of the intrinsic value of art -- specifically, poetry -- as a force for personal and cultural renewal. While Letts's writing is hardly "poetic" and his structure closer to "narrative," he focuses on "the repressed" - both emotionally and socially --and the redeeming qualities of poetry. Kochman argues that Letts's dramatic works do not merely challenge the gaps, ruptures, and contradictions in the "master narratives" of Western culture, but also suggest an alternative to the traditional American "narrative" focused on the individual by advocating a "poetic perspective" centered on the community. This perspective urges a shift from a rigid, linear, individual-goal oriented principle (as depicted in "August: Osage County" toward a principle of flexibility, unity, and synthesis (as advocated in "Man from Nebraska" and "Superior Donuts").