Sex, sex role, and the expression of depression

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between sex, sex role and expression of depression. The Beck Depression Inventory, The Bem Sex Role Inventory, and the Inventory of Depressive Behaviors were administered to 589 college students. Sex differences in the expression of depression were similar to the findings of previous studies. Sex role differences in the expression of depression were found. Masculine sex role was related to expressive coping strategies along with instrumental strategies. Feminine sex role was related to behavioral and cognitive coping along with more expressive behaviors. The variance in expression of depression accounted for by sex was only partially accounted for by sex role. Undifferentiated individuals were significantly more depressed than Masculine, Feminine or Androgynous individuals, but there were no differences between the latter three groups. Thus, either masculinity or femininity appears to be associated with lower levels of depression.