Differences between experienced and anticipatory distress

Differences between distress ratings of anticipated and experienced life events were examined (N = 168). Results showed significant differences between perceived and experienced aversion across events predicting symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and somatic discomfort in occupational, social, and familial situations. Gender differences were also found. Women reported significantly greater ratings of distress than men. Results reinforce the use of experienced events in overall distress assessment for individual clients, bring to question the existence of anticipated or perceived stress, and suggest that gender differences should be accounted for in the interpretation of distress measures.