Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World: Gender Differences in Intake Characteristics and Poorer Outcomes Observed for Men

Abstract

Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World (“GA”), a capacity-building, anti-poverty, group-based intervention, is widely used in the United States and internationally. This U.S. nationwide study examines gender differences in intake characteristics and outcomes (N = 328). Specific focus was on men (n = 108), because they are often the minority in GA groups and may have different poverty-related risk factors and help-seeking behaviors. At intake, men were more likely to have criminal convictions and substance abuse problems. Outcome comparisons indicated that men had lesser increases in mental health and well-being, social support, hope, and goal-directed behavior and planning throughout participation in GA than did women. Findings suggest that modifications might need to be made to GA to better meet the needs of men.

Keywords

gender men masculinity mental health poverty

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