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LOWRI DOWTHWAITE
WHO is happier, men or women? Research shows that the issue is complicated and that it's not worth asking if men or women are more comfortable because, basically, happiness is different for women and men. men.
According to recent statistics, women's happiness has declined over the last 30 years. And research shows that women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men. Gender differences in depression are well established and studies have shown that biological, psychological and social factors contribute to this disparity.
However, research also shows that women are more likely than men to experience intense positive emotions – such as joy and happiness. It seems, then, that the most intense positive feelings of women make up for their higher risk of depression. Research also shows that women are more likely to try to get help and access to treatment, which also allows them to recover more quickly.
The first studies on gender and happiness revealed that men and women were socialized to express different emotions. Women are more likely to show joy, warmth and fear, which helps to strengthen social ties and seems to be more in keeping with the traditional role of caregiver, while men show more anger and pride. and contempt, which is more a role of protector and provider.
BRAIN RESEARCH
Recent research suggests that these differences are not only social, but also genetically wired. In many studies, women score better than men on standard tests of emotion recognition, social sensitivity and empathy.
Neuroimaging studies have deepened these findings and found that women use more areas of the brain containing mirror neurons than men when they deal with emotions. Mirror neurons allow us to experience the world from the point of view of other people, to understand their actions and their intentions. This may explain why women may experience deeper sadness.
Psychologically, it seems that men and women differ in the way they treat and express their emotions. With the exception of anger, women experience more intense emotions and share them more openly with others. Studies have shown that women express more pro-social emotions – such as gratitude – that are associated with greater happiness. This confirms the theory that women's happiness is more dependent on relationships than men.
The question of anger
However, in these studies, there is an important blind spot, namely that women often feel anger as intensely as men, but do not express it openly as it is not considered socially. acceptable.
When men feel angry, they are more likely to pronounce it and direct it toward others, while women are more likely to internalize and direct anger at themselves. Women ruminate rather than talk. And here lies the vulnerability of women to stress and depression.
Studies show that men have better problem-solving skills and greater cognitive flexibility, which can contribute to greater resilience and positive mood. Women's responsiveness to stress sometimes prevents them from challenging their thoughts, which can exacerbate the symptoms of bad mood.
PUT OTHERS FIRST
This inequality of happiness means that it is more difficult for women to maintain a state of happiness in the face of social expectations and constraints. Research on stress shows that women react more physically to social rejection than men, for example. This means that they are more likely to prioritize the needs of others compared to theirs – and over time this can lead to resentment and a feeling of dissatisfaction.
In general, women prioritize what to do rather than be happy, while men are better at the pursuit of pleasure and hedonism. Studies have also found that women tend to act more ethically than men and are more likely to feel shame if they are not perceived as doing the "right thing". But the feminine morality also leads them to engage in a more fulfilling and impactful work. And that finally brings them more joy, peace and contentment.
As you can see, the situation is complicated. Yes, women are more sensitive to stress, more vulnerable to depression and trauma, but they are also incredibly resilient and much more capable of post-traumatic growth than men. Studies show that this is due to their sociability and ability to make deeper connections with other men and women.
It is also important to recognize that despite these differences, the benefits of happiness are considerable for both women and men.
And this research shows that happiness is not just a function of individual experience, but also has repercussions on social networks. Happiness is contagious and contagious – and has a positive impact on the health and well-being of everyone.
– The conversation
* Lowri Dowthwaite is a lecturer in Psychological Interventions at the University of Central Lancashire.
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