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Gender differences in depression: The role of anxiety and generalized negative affect

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Abstract

This study used the tripartite model of depression and anxiety to examine whether gender differences in depression may be accounted for, in part, by the overlap of depression with anxiety and negative affectivity. The tripartite model distinguishes between pure forms of depression and anxiety, co-morbid depression and anxiety, and mixed anxiety-depression. One hundred-six college students completed questionnaires that measured depression, anxiety, and negative and positive affectivity. Results were moderately consistent with hypotheses. Specifically, the proportion of women versus men was significantly higher in the categories of co-morbid depression and anxiety and mixed anxiety-depression, but not in the categories of “specific” (i.e., “pure”) depression or anxiety. It is argued that “specific” depression may be equally prevalent in men and women, but that other depression-related syndromes may be more common among women than men.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. D-25 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graves Building, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 77555-0425, Galveston, TX, USA

    Thomas E. Joiner Jr. & Janice A. Blalock

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  1. Thomas E. Joiner Jr.
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  2. Janice A. Blalock
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Joiner, T.E., Blalock, J.A. Gender differences in depression: The role of anxiety and generalized negative affect. Sex Roles 33, 91–108 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01547937

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