Research project
How low SES men negotiate and construct health practices
- Start date: 1 October 2012
- End date: 30 August 2020
- Primary investigator: Dr Mike Jestico
- Co-investigators: Professor Anna Madill Dr Siobhan Hugh-Jones
Description
In his research, Dr Mike Jestico explored the health and well-being experiences of men in poverty, who have the lowest life expectancy of any group in the UK.
The Go Sisyphus project worked with men to explore how they create positive health and well-being.
The findings showed that despite their significant structural impediments, all the men found ways to improve their health and well-being in innovative ways and to try to live fruitful and enjoyable lives. The findings can be used to support other men on low incomes to flourish in their lives.
The research used only photo-elicitation to generate talk from the participants.
Examples
Dave was an alcoholic who was followed around supermarkets due to his threadbare clothes. In the library and art gallery he was accepted, and he said it was one of the few places he felt like a citizen.
Brian said his girlfriend didn’t want to be photographed, so he used this image as a metaphor. He then talked about how spending time with his girlfriend made him happy.
Tony met these men; he called them mental health survivors. He stayed in touch, and they regularly walk together in the hills. He said he felt valued by the others, which made him feel good.
This is a photo of this man’s daughter's footprint. He values his children and said being a father saved his life. He reevaluated his life and moved away from his troubles to a place of safety.