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Published in: Cognitive Therapy and Research 2/2019

Open Access 01-04-2019 | Original Article

Ambivalence over Expression of Anger and Sadness Mediates Gender Differences in Depressive Symptoms

Authors: Laura E. Kunst, Judith de Groot, A. J. Willem van der Does

Published in: Cognitive Therapy and Research | Issue 2/2019

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Abstract

The gender difference in the prevalence of depression is well-documented, poorly understood and multifactorial. Considering that gender differences exist in the expression of emotions, we hypothesized that ambivalence over the expression of sadness and anger contributes to the difference in depression scores between men and women. Questionnaires on depressive symptoms and ambivalence regarding sadness and anger expression were completed by 550 respondents (66.9% women, average age 27.8 years). Women reported more depressive symptoms and were more ambivalent over the expression of both sadness and anger than men. Ambivalence over sadness and—to a lesser extent—anger mediated the relationship between gender and depressive symptoms. We conclude that ambivalence over emotion expression may partly explain why depression occurs more frequently in women than men.
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Metadata
Title
Ambivalence over Expression of Anger and Sadness Mediates Gender Differences in Depressive Symptoms
Authors
Laura E. Kunst
Judith de Groot
A. J. Willem van der Does
Publication date
01-04-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Cognitive Therapy and Research / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 0147-5916
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2819
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-018-9937-2

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