events suggests numerous clarifications that are required in this research area. Firstly, this set of studies entails assessments of varying types and ranges of events. For instance, numerous studies focus more precisely on distressing events related to romantic relationships or friendships, while others include a range of stressors (Rose, & Rudolph, 2006).
It is not clear whether gender differences are driven by larger exposure to particular forms of peer stressors in girls than in boys. , Secondly, gender differences in exposure to peer stress might differ across development and based on whether the stressor is dependent or self-generated (implying an incident which a person contributed, like an argument with a friend) versus independent implying an incident that is outside one’s control, like a friend moving away. One study found that girls didn’t experience much stress than boys in childhood. Nevertheless, during adolescence medium impact favoring girls was established for dependent peer stress (Rose, & Rudolph, 2006).
Gender Differences in Depression
Girls are more likely to admit symptoms of depression than boys, and this diversity is usually due to the fact that girls are more open and boys being more likely to utilize denial. Likewise, girls are highly prepared to seek assistance than boys for their depression. Girls are more likely to recall episode not formerly nominated and to recall more symptoms, whereas boys are highly likely over time to forget formerly reported episodes. This is due to gender differences in coping repertoires where girls re more likely to directly experience depression and ruminate on issues and boys being highly likely to distract themselves or use drugs as well as engage in reckless behavior. Socialization and social influences are main contributors of gender differences in depression. Girls internalize depression and anxiety and seek self esteem from their families and friends while boys externalize depression and are more likely to attain their self esteem and exert power across public sphere (Cambron, Acitelli, & Pettit, 2009).
Sex linked responses to depression might contribute to gender differences in emotional adjustments. According to Burton, Stice and Seeley, (2004), the tendency of girls to display emotions and seek help from friends might in part cushion them from emotional distress. Through seeking support, girls are offered a reassurance that their problems may be solved and that they are valued in the society, and this decreases the chances of the stressors leading to reduced self esteem, sadness, and excessive worrying. In reality, getting social support from friends is connected with reduced levels of depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, the support seeking tendency presents a threat that girls will be fixated on talking about their problems, which might increase their levels of emotional distress. Conversely, the greater likelihood of boys to make problems light helps them to dwell on the problems and this be protected against emotional problems (Plancherel, & Bolognini, 1995).
The literature reveals that gender differences in psychological adjustment. Compared to boys, girls are more likely to express their emotions, seek help and ruminate in response to stress. Boys usually victims experience difficulties in adjusting to the stressful situations and display delinquent behaviors such as fighting and aggression, substance abuse while girls display fear and anxiety. While girls are open on issues regarding depression, boys usually deny that they are depressed and this seek self worth from the public sphere with girls seeking esteem from peers.
Carver, P. R., Yunger, J. L., & Perry, D. G. (2003). Gender identity and adjustment inSex Roles, 49, 95- 109.
processes: Potential trade-offs for the emotional and behavioral development of girls
Rose, A. J., & Rudolph, K. D. (2006). A review of sex differences in peer relationshipPsychological Bulletin, 132, 98-131.
Burton E, Stice E, Seeley, R., (2004). A prospective test of the stress-buffering model of depression adolescent girls: