Blue Shield Effectiveness Study
A 2 year study sponsored by Blue Shield evaluating the long term effectiveness of Breakthrough Me’s community Workshops was conducted in 2006–2008. The results are stunning. Here are a few highlights.
ACTUAL OUTCOMES (As Reported by Participants and Evaluators)
Based on qualitative and quantitative feedback from study participants:
Significant Increases in Emotional Awareness and Literacy
Many men reported learning to recognize, name, and process emotions they had long avoided.
“For the first time I could name what I was feeling instead of just shutting down or lashing out.”
Marked Improvements in Intimate and Family Relationships
Participants often cited a renewed connection with spouses, children, and ex-partners, including reduced conflict and more open communication.
“My daughter said she’s never felt this seen by me before.”
Greater Self-Acceptance and Less Shame
Men described letting go of shame related to past behaviors, trauma, or unmet cultural expectations.
Reduced Emotional Reactivity and Violence Risk Factors
Several participants shared they had become less reactive, more thoughtful, and avoided behaviors they previously considered inevitable.
“Before Breakthrough, I’d get triggered and shut down or yell. Now I pause and ask myself what’s really going on.”
Sense of Brotherhood and Belonging
Participants repeatedly emphasized how valuable it was to connect with other men in a non-competitive, vulnerable environment.
See more in the full report.
The report is called “Breakthrough Men’s Community: Lessons Learned and Future Directions”, authored by PhD’s Seth Pollack and Peter Shaw through a grant from Blue Shield of California. Below you’ll find both a simple 7 page Executive Summary as well as the full 212 page report.