In his new book, “Invisible Men; Men’s inner lives and the consequences of silence” (2011, Times Books), Clark University Professor of Psychology Michael E. Addis draws on several years of his award-winning scientific research, as well as his own personal and clinical experience to describe an epidemic of personal, relational, and societal problems that are caused by the widespread invisibility of men’s vulnerabilities.

From increasing rates of suicide among men, to alcohol abuse, to violence and school shootings, Addis’s research reveals the continued cost of staying silent when emotional, physical, or spiritual pain enters men’s lives.  His book identifies specific problems that result from men’s silence and invisibility, and how they can be changed.

“Violence, substance abuse, suicide, increasing divorce rates, and unemployment can all be linked to our societal unwillingness to see and hear what’s truly happening in many men’s private lives,” says Addis.  “Men outnumber women in rates of alcohol and drug abuse, and are four times more likely to take their own lives.  However, they are far less likely to seek out mental or physical health care for the problems in their lives.”

Addis shows how the consequences of men’s silence and invisibility affect not only men, but women and children (as well as local and global communities).   His book therefore includes information on how women can better recognize when the men they love are struggling, and what they can do to help.

“Invisible Men” also provides readers with compelling stories, thought exercises, opportunities for self-assessment, and communication techniques that can help men and women lead more satisfying, productive, and connected lives in the areas of physical health, mental health, friendships, family, and intimate relationships.

Addis and his colleagues in Clark’s Men’s Well-Being Research Group are dedicated to the study of men’s mental health and emotional well-being.

Professor Addis joined the faculty in Clark’s Hiatt School of Psychology after completing his Ph.D. at the University of Washington in 1995. He has published more than 70 articles and books with his current research focused on men’s mental health. He is the recipient of the American Psychological Association’s David Shakow Award for his distinguished contributions to clinical psychology and the New Researcher Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. He is former president of the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity, Division 51 of the American Psychological Association.