Hi. I'm a psychologist working with men and have noticed in this particular sub an influx on male-related issues, mainly dating, searching for validation, and struggling with a lack of emotional skills.

I thought it would be beneficial to share some resources related to these themes that have been found by previous clients as beneficial and can shed light on what we as men are facing today, somethign that has only recently been expanding in research thanks to the development and influx of new researchers in Gender Studies.

1. The Palgrave Handbook of Male Psychology and Mental Health.

An excellent collection on hot topics regarding masculinity and some of the foremost conclusions about the matter. These include the importance of paternity and it's impact on man's identity, positive role models, testosterone and it's effects on personality, emotional stability, etc. Truly, a must read for anyone wondering about many of men's difficulties nowadays.

It also shows how the gender model of the "macho man" has rooted it's way towards very unhealthy behaviours/attitudes and possible ways to adress such struggles.

2. This webinar about Assertiveness by another licensed professional.

A word that gets thrown a lot but few know the precise definition, the difference with a passive or an aggressive attitude or specific excercises for training it in a helpful manner. This webinar is the most in-depth resource Ive found yet on the subject matter, includes moments where you'll want to be assertive and other where you'll NOT want to be assertive as well as justification for both, and many points or tools that most will be able to start applying the day after watching the video. I've ended up sharing this video a lot to people struggling with scoail skills.

3. The video Male Dating & Sex Struggles: A Problem In Plain Sight, by Macabre Storytelling.

One of the most down-to-earth essays about the state of PUA resources on the internet, the lack of options for young males having difficulties approaching relationships without having learned beforehand ways to create them, and the internet's lack of positive and widespread resources or examples on doing so. He even recounts his own experience going through the path of learning from PUAs, finding "success" as defined by the standards shared in such circles, and the emotional fallout from spending so much time and energy into achievements which left him feeling more hollow than before, for a time. Always recommended when having clients which might share incel-like characteristics.

I do hope this helps share info on relevant issues that go beyond anecdotical evidence, myths and/or insufficiently-based assumptions regarding what we've been seeing lately in this sub. If anyone else has similar resources to share, I'll be more than willing to add them if applicable.