Gender and Psychological Well-Being.

M Pilar Matud,Demelza Fortes,Marisela López-Curbelo

doi:10.3390/ijerph16193531

Abstract

Background: Research has consistently reported gender differences in mental health, but studies on differences in psychological well-being between women and men have not yielded conclusive results. The aim of this study was to examine the relevance of gender to the psychological well-being of adult individuals. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 1700 men and 1700 women from the general Spanish population was conducted. Their ages ranged from 21 to 64 years, and they were assessed with Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales and the Bem Sex Role Inventory. Results: Men scored higher than women in self-acceptance and autonomy, and women scored higher than men in personal growth and positive relations with others. The most relevant variable in the psychological well-being of both women and men was high masculinity. Other relevant variables in women’s well-being were high femininity, not having a manual occupation, not being homemakers, and professional occupation. Men´s well-being also was higher in professional men and in men with a skilled non-manual occupation, men with high femininity and men who were not single, divorced or widowed. Conclusions: Adherence to traditional gender roles is relevant to the psychological well-being of women and men, and women and men whose self-concept includes both masculine-instrumental and feminine-expressive characteristics have greater well-being.

Highlights

Gender is an important social determinant of health [1] and gender-based analysis is necessary to improve women’s and men’s health and health care
Though the effect size was small, women had mean scores higher than men in positive relations with others and personal growth, while men scored higher than women in self-acceptance and autonomy
The effect size of differences was small, statistically significant differences were found between women and men in some psychological well-being dimensions, with men scoring higher than women in self-acceptance and autonomy, and with women scoring higher than men in personal growth and positive relations with others

Summary

Introduction

Gender is an important social determinant of health [1] and gender-based analysis is necessary to improve women’s and men’s health and health care. Some health indicators have disclosed differences between women and men, so contends research conducted in many countries. Mental health reveals consistent differences between females and males [3,4]. Worldwide, men’s suicide rates are higher than those of women [2]. Research has consistently reported gender differences in mental health, but studies on differences in psychological well-being between women and men have not yielded conclusive results. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 1700 men and 1700 women from the general Spanish population was conducted. Their ages ranged from 21 to 64 years, and they were assessed with Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales and the Bem Sex Role Inventory

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion