The ability to correctly identify the signs of depression depends, firstly, on the gender of the person who determines, secondly, on the gender of the person whose condition is being examined, and thirdly, on individual psychological differences, the study author Viren Swami from Westminster University is sure. Great Britain.
The author described to the study participants two invented subjects, Kate and Jack. Symptoms of depression in both subjects were described in exactly the same way using non-clinical terms, with the only difference being that the gender of each of them was named. For example, a sample text read: “Over the past two weeks, Kate / Jack has been feeling depressed. She / he wakes up in the morning with a heavy feeling that does not leave her / him all day. She / he does not enjoy life as usual. She / him it's hard to focus on something. "
Interviewees were asked to determine whether the subject described was suffering from a mental disorder, and they would recommend that the subject seek professional help.
Both men and women equally believed that Kate had a mental disorder. As for Jack, men, unlike women, were less likely to think that he was suffering from depression.
Men were more likely than women to comment that Kate should seek professional help. But both sexes equally recommended this to Jack. Participants, especially men, rated Kate's condition as significantly more severe, more difficult to treat and deserving of sympathy.
Researchers also found that each respondent’s attitude toward depression was related to his attitude to psychiatry (often skeptical) and unscientific attitudes. The author believes that increasing the literacy of the population in matters of mental health, it is necessary to take into account the influence of gender stereotypes and their attitude to whether or not to seek help.
