Coping and psychological outcomes of male victims of intimate partner violence: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

Although intimate partner violence (IPV) research has historically focused on female victimisation, emerging studies now examine heterosexual male victims. This qualitative systematic review synthesises evidence from five continents, including the underrepresented African context, to explore men's IPV experiences, coping strategies, psychological effects, and public health implications.

STUDY

DESIGN

Systematic review of qualitative studies on male IPV victimisation, coping, and psychological well-being.

METHODS

A systematic review of 36 qualitative studies was conducted, focusing on male IPV victimisation, coping strategies, and psychological outcomes. Inductive codes developed directly from participants' responses were used to identify experiences, coping strategies, and psychological outcomes. Related codes were then grouped into higher order concepts and mapped onto a problem focused versus emotion focused coping spectrum.

RESULTS

Findings reveal that male victims experience physical, psychological and sexual abuse, including broken bones, humiliation, and forced sexual intimacy. Coping strategies were both adaptive (e.g., exercise, spiritual coping) and maladaptive (e.g., alcohol use, avoidance, minimization or exiting the relationship). Emotion-focused strategies were more frequently associated with negative mental health outcomes. Problem-focused coping like help seeking had mixed psychological outcomes. Moreover, help-seeking was often hindered by stigma, fear of emasculation, and lack of awareness of available resources. Religious coping and informal support were mentioned but underexplored. The review also highlights the absence of theoretical framing and cultural sensitivity in many studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Public health systems should adopt gender-sensitive IPV responses, recognising male victimisation and reducing barriers to support. Further research should explore culturally relevant coping strategies and inform practitioner-led interventions.