Literature Review The American Psychiatric Association explains depression as mental illness that “negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act” (Parekh, 2017, p. para.1). Studies have shown that women experience depression significantly more often than men. Although many studies prove women experience depression more than men, little research has been conducted on the gender differences that cause this. Social, biological, and cultural differences between males and females cause females to experience depression more often. Pascual, Conejero, and Etxebarria explain the differences between how each gender copes with different emotions. (2015) Their findings conclude females tend to use problem solving, emotional regulation, …show more content…
The study results concluded that “men and women may differ in their way of processing and communicating emotional distress” (Cavanagh, Caputi, Wilson, & Kavanagh, 2016, p. 412). Males categorize symptoms by function, like their mood or psychological state, and females categorize symptoms by the common symptoms of distress; depressed mood, irritable, loss of energy, etc. Males and females process emotions and events differently, causing them to use different coping methods. Males tend to use avoidant and numbing behaviors when dealing with depression. (Cavanagh, Caputi, Wilson, & Kavanagh, 2016, p. 412) Men also have higher rates of risk taking, alcohol and substance abuse than women. Females use more verbal expression, and share their concerns with their family and friends, searching for emotional …show more content…
(2018, April 1). The Link Between Hormones and Depression. Retrieved March 2018, from Holtorf Medical Group: https://www.holtorfmed.com/the-link-between-hormones-and-depression/ Mulé, C. M. (2004, March 1). Why Women Are More Susceptible to Depression: An Explanation for Gender Differences. Retrieved March 20, 2018, from SAPA Project Personality Research: http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/mule.html Parekh, R. (2017, January). What is Depression? Retrieved March 2018, from American Psychiatric Association: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression Pascul, A., Conejero, S., & Etxebarria, I. (2015, August). Coping Strategies and emotion regulation in adolescents: Adequacy and gender differences. Anseidad y Estrés, 1-4. Priess, H. A., Lindberg, S. M., & Hyde, J. S. (2009, September/October). Adolescent Gender-Role Identity and Mental Health: Gender Intensification Revisited. Child Development, 80, 1531-1544. Staff, M. C. (2016, January 16). Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap. Retrieved March 2018, from Mayo Clinic: