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6404387 
Journal Article 
Gender Differences in Depression: Biological, Affective, Cognitive, and Sociocultural Factors 
Hyde, JS; Mezulis, A 
2020 
Yes 
Harvard Review of Psychiatry
ISSN: 1067-3229 
28 
1 
4-13 
English 
31913978 
WOS:000507605600002 
The odds ratio (OR) for gender differences in major depression is 1.95, averaged meta-analytically over all ages and nations. The gender difference appears by age 12, OR = 2.37, and peaks at OR = 3.02 for ages 13-15. Using the ABC (affective, biological, cognitive) model as a framework within a vulnerability-stress approach, we consider the evidence for biological vulnerabilities (genes, pubertal hormones, and pubertal timing), affective vulnerabilities (temperament), and cognitive vulnerabilities (negative cognitive style, objectified body consciousness, and rumination). The impact of stress is central to the vulnerability-stress model, and we review evidence on gender differences in stress exposure, emphasizing gender differences in sex-related traumas such as child sexual abuse and rape. Finally, we examine sociocultural factors that may contribute to the gender difference, including the media and gender inequality. An implication for research methods is that single-gender designs should be questioned. Regarding clinical implications, the vulnerabilities and stressors identified in this review should contribute to personalized interventions with depressed individuals, especially depressed women. 
child sexual abuse; depression; gender differences; genetics; media; negative cognitive style; objectified body consciousness; puberty; rumination; stress