Depression and Gender Role Conflict in Young Adult Men

Presenter

Paula Rodriguez

Campus

Salem State University

Sponsor

Christopher A. Mark, 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 A92, 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 are 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 depression rates in men. Men may experience atypical depressive symptoms, such as anger and substance abuse, which are not accounted for in traditional diagnostic measures, thus leading to incorrect or 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 with which masculine gender norms do not align. Additionally, prototypical symptoms of depression generally align with with Western feminine gender roles. Men experiencing these symptoms may feel shame and inadequacy within their chosen gender role, also 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 rates of both externalizing and atypical symptoms, as well as how adherence to traditional gender roles impact these depressive symptoms.

Keywords

Gender Studies, Mental Health, Men's Mental Health, Depression

Research Area

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

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