Gender differences in rates of depression among undergraduates: measurement matters

Two studies tested for gender differences in rates of depression among undergraduates using three conceptualizations of depression (mood, syndrome, disorder). The first sample consisted of 325 non-referred undergraduate students, who completed pencil-and-paper measures of depressed mood, depressive syndrome and a depressive disorder analogue. The second sample consisted of 894 undergraduate students seeking counselling services, who participated in clinical intake interviews assessing depressed mood and depressive disorder. Results of analyses provide no evidence of gender differences in rates of depressed mood in either samples or of depressive syndrome in the non-referred sample. However, in both samples, gender differences in rates of depressive disorder were found, with male students more likely than female students to be depressed.