SILENCING OF SELF AND DEPRESSION: A GENDER PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Background:Jack's self silencing theory is consequential in postulating how females form concepts about self, based on their relationships with valued others and if an attempt at it fails, then an extreme set of cognitive schemas ensues. These schemas are named as silencing of self. Jack has conjectured that silencing of self has purpose in manifestation and maintenance of depression. The manner in which it plays a role is different for both males and females, where initial theory and a plethora of research have found it to be higher in the later than in the former, while some have had contrary ndings. The existing pool of research does not give explorations of these variables in an Indian context. Therefore this study is a humble effort to make these inquisitions. Method: The study was conducted on the patients undergoing treatment for depression in Dayanand Medical College and Hospital. The study was undertaken involving 100 cases of depression and 100 healthy volunteers as controls after obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent of all the study subjects. Information was collected via predesigned questionnaires. All statistical calculations were done using SPSS 21 version statistical program for Microsoft Windows. Conclusion: Results showed that depressed subjects showed higher silencing of self as compared to their non-depressed counter parts. Overall, males showed higher silencing of self as compared to females.