Gender differences in rating stressful events, depression, and depressive cognition.

Assessed gender differences in the ratings of stressful events, depression, and cognitive distortion. Responses of 70 males and 70 females (N = 140) to the Life Stress Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Automatic Thought Questionnaire were studied. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between sexes on all dependent measures. Men reported experiencing more stressful life change. However, women rated the impact of stressors more severely. Women had higher depression ratings, and men exhibited greater distortions in cognitive content. It is proposed that cognitive distortion may insulate men from depressive moods. Research on coping mechanisms used by men and women in dealing with similar stressful life events may be helpful in clarifying the relationship among gender, stress, and depression.