Adolescent boys' intentions of seeking help from male friends and female friends

This study examined adolescent boys' intentions of seeking help from male friends and female friends. We evaluated mean differences in boys' help-seeking intentions; assessed whether boys' individual characteristics predicted their intentions; and examined perceived support from male friends and female friends as mediators of these relationships. Participants were 171 boys (Grades 9–12) who were living in rural communities. Youths completed an anonymous survey at school. Results showed that boys had higher intentions of seeking help from female friends than male friends. Boys who reported a more adaptable temperament and less conformity to the masculine norm emotional control indicated higher intentions of seeking help from male friends and female friends. Boys' perceptions of support mediated the relationships between adaptable temperament and emotional control and intentions of accessing male friends and female friends. The implications of these patterns for future research and for programs that promote adaptive coping by youths are discussed.