The purposes of this study were to identify telephone hotline programs specifically for men in Japan and to describe their structure, characteristics, and practices.
Using the internet and snowball sampling, we identified 17 telephone hotlines. The hotlines were established within approximately the past 10 years. Callers learn about the hotlines from a variety of sources, including government and private websites, newspapers, doctors, and callers' family members.
Programs are largely staffed by volunteer and paid male staff with either non-professional or professional backgrounds. The hotlines are typically open about 6 hours per month. They provide free support resources, including psychological counseling, information, and referral to relevant legal and other organizations.
These findings are discussed in the context of traditional Japanese cultural values about gender and helping. By considering how belief and value systems are accommodated and assimilated by culturally diverse individuals and groups, telephone hotlines and self-help/mutual-aid groups can be more effective.
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