Depression and Gender Role Conflict in Young Adult Men

Presenter

Paula Rodriguez

Campus

Salem State University

Sponsor

Ben Miller, Department of Psychology, Salem State University

Schedule

Session 3, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A91, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 5 (A81-A100) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Depression is a pressing issue in society, with over 21 million individuals in the United States having experienced a major depressive episode in 2021. While women have generally been reported to have higher rates of depression than men, new research has found that this discrepancy may be the result of an artificial deflation of mens' depression rates. Men may experience atypical depressive symptoms, such as anger and substance abuse, which are not accounted for in traditional diagnostic measures, thus leading to missed diagnoses in men. Atypical symptoms may also be attributed to the way men adhere to gender norms. When men conform to Western masculine gender norms closely, such as being strong and stoic, they’re less likely to recognize or address their depressive symptoms. Recognizing symptoms and seeking treatment requires a level of emotional vulnerability which masculine gender norms do not align with. Furthermore, prototypical symptoms of depression align with Western feminine gender roles, which adhering to could cause feelings of shame and inadequacy in men known as gender role conflict (GRC). This study seeks to investigate how men's experiences with depression differ from prototypical experiences, as well as the potential causes for the atypical symptoms men encounter. Participants will complete a survey containing questions regarding depressive symptoms, adherence to gender norms, and stress regarding gender norms. These results will then be analyzed for levels of externalizing or atypical symptoms and rates of depression in men in comparison to women, as well as levels of gender norm adherence in men.

Keywords

Gender Studies, Mental Health, Depression , Clinical Psychology

Research Area

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

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