Comparisons by sex of psychometric correlates of the MMPI-2 Depression Scale

Scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 were correlated to identify which measures predicted depression among 219 women and 115 men. Despite prevalence data indicating that dysphoria is more common among females than males, sex did not predict MMPI-2 Depression scores in this sample. Masculine Gender Role was negatively predictive of depression for both sexes. High scores on Feminine Gender Role were slightly predictive of depression among men but not among women. An effective strategy for coping with depression involves managing stress causing circumstances as opposed to managing the feelings that result from stress. Persons of either sex who score high on Masculine Gender Role endorse traits that are compatible with the better strategy.