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The influence of gender role typing on the expression of depressive symptoms

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Abstract

This study investigated the influence of gender role typing on the expression of depressive symptoms. Previous research (Padesky & Hammen, 1981) has found that men and women differ in their expression of depressive symptoms and has proposed gender role expectations as a possible explanation. This study considered gender role typing as a possible moderating factor of depressive symptoms. Undergraduates (99 men, 360 women) were divided into masculine and feminine groups according to the Bem Sex Role Inventory. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Gender role typing differences emerged on the BDI with feminine subjects reporting more emotional symptoms than masculine subjects (p<.05) and masculine subjects reporting more withdrawal and somatic symptoms than feminine subjects (p<.05). The results are consistent with the hypothesis that depressive symptoms are influenced by societal expectations. Future research should consider the influence of gender role typing on the expression of depressive symptoms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Toronto, Canada

    Sarah J. Oliver & Brenda B. Toner

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  1. Sarah J. Oliver
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  2. Brenda B. Toner
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Oliver, S.J., Toner, B.B. The influence of gender role typing on the expression of depressive symptoms. Sex Roles 22, 775–790 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00292060

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