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The Gender Life Satisfaction/Depression Paradox
Leonardo Becchetti1, Gianluigi Conzo1
1Department of Economics and Finance, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Columbia 2, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Social Indicators Research
|September 27, 2021
Summary
Women report higher life satisfaction but also more depression, a paradox confirmed across European countries. This suggests women experience emotions more intensely, impacting their resilience to life events.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Gender Studies
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- The gender life satisfaction/depression paradox highlights women's higher reported life satisfaction despite greater likelihood of depression.
- Existing literature suggests various biological, genetic, cultural, and personality factors may explain this phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gender life satisfaction/depression paradox within a cross-country European context.
- To test the affect intensity rationale as a potential explanation for the observed paradox.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the European Social Survey, a large cross-country study.
- Statistical examination of the paradox across different demographic splits (age, education, health, region, survey round).
Main Results:
- The gender life satisfaction/depression paradox was confirmed in the European Social Survey sample and remained stable across demographic subgroups.
- Evidence supports the affect intensity rationale: women are more affected by life events and less resilient to emotional shocks.
Conclusions:
- Women's heightened emotional reactivity and reduced resilience to life events contribute to the gender life satisfaction/depression paradox.
- Further research into biological, genetic, cultural, and personality factors is warranted to fully understand these gender differences in well-being.
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