1 Psychology 320: Gender Psychology Lecture 60

2 Invitational Office Hour Invitations, by Student Number for March 25 th 11:30-12:30, 3:30-4:30 Kenny

4 Mental Health: 1. Are there sex differences in depression? (continued) 2. Are there sex differences in eating disorders?

5 By the end of today’s class, you should be able to: 1. discuss sex differences in exposure to traumatic events. 3. discuss the relationships between depression and agency, unmitigated agency, communion, and unmitigated communion. 2. review explanations for sex differences in rates of post-traumatic stress disorder.

6 4. list the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. 5. discuss sex differences in rates of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

7  With respect to traumatic events (e.g., sexual assault, combat), a recent meta-analysis of 290 studies (Tolin & Foa, 2006) revealed that, overall, males are 1.3 times more likely than females to experience trauma. Are there sex differences in depression? (continued) 5. Stressful Life Events (continued)

TraumaSex Difference Magnitude of Difference (Odds Ratio) Childhood sexual assaultF > M2.7 Adult sexual assaultF > M6.0 Nonsexual assaultM > F1.6 AccidentsM > F1.5 Illness or injuryM > F1.5 Disaster or fireM > F1.3 Witness death or injuryM > F1.3 Combat/war/terrorismM > F3.6 8 Sex Differences in the Prevalence of Specific Types of Traumatic Events (Tolin & Foa, 2006)

9  Nevertheless, females are two times more likely than males to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

10 6. Gender-Related Traits  Agency is negatively correlated with depression. The negative correlation has been attributed to the better problem-solving skills among people high in agency (Bromberger & Matthews, 1996; Marcotte et al., 1999).  Research examining the relationship between unmitigated agency and depression is not available.

11  Communion is unrelated to depression (Bassoff & Glass, 1982; Whitley, 1984).  Unmitigated communion is positively correlated with depression (Helgeson & Fritz, 1998). Two explanations have been offered for this correlation:

12 Model of the Relation Between Unmitigated Communion and Depression (Fritz & Helgeson, 1998)

13 Are there sex differences in eating disorders? The DSM-IV-TR distinguishes between two eating disorders: anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A third category is included in the DSM-IV-TR: “Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.”

14 Anorexia Nervosa Characterized by: (a) refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height (i.e., less than 85% of what is expected). (b) intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat. (c) disturbance in the way one experiences one’s weight or shape, undue influence of weight or shape on self- evaluation, or denial of seriousness of low weight. (d) amenorrhea.

15 Afflicts 0.5% of females and 0.05% of males. Typical onset is in early to late adolescence (14-18 years of age). Results in damage to the bones, muscles, heart, kidneys, intestines, and brain. Mortality rate: 5-15% (Brown, Mehler, & Harris, 2000).

16 Bulimia Nervosa Characterized by: (a) recurrent episodes of binge eating. (b) recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviour in order to prevent weight gain (e.g., self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas; fasting; excessive exercise). (c) binge eating and compensatory behaviour occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months. (d) undue influence of weight or shape on self-evaluation.

17 Afflicts 1-3% of females and.2% of males. Typical onset is in late adolescence to early adulthood. Mortality rate: 3.9%(Crow et al., 2009). Results in damage to the muscles, heart, intestines, stomach, mouth, throat, and esophagus.

18 Mental Health: 1. Are there sex differences in depression? (continued) 2. Are there sex differences in eating disorders?