Description
In Discussion Forum 4, post your response to the following discussion question. Reply to at least two classmates’ responses by the date indicated in the Course Calendar.
After reading the textbook modules and the Pappas article and watching the CBC video, describe the differences in prevalence of specific psychological disorders across gender. Why do you think there are gender differences in internalizing and externalizing disorders? Do you believe gender-role expectations might contribute to gender differences in help-seeking and well-being? You might consider including specific examples and references to the course content or outside sources.
When replying to your classmates’ responses, you may include links to resources, programs, or films that relate to their examples or experiences.
HERE ARE THE 2 CLASSMATES POSTS THAT NEED REPLIES:
Classmate #1 Anthony
The prevalence of psychological disorders varies across genders, with notable differences discussed in the Pappas article. Men exhibit higher rates of suicide, often attributed to traditional masculinity norms discouraging help-seeking. Externalizing behaviors like aggression and substance abuse are more common in men, aligning with societal expectations of toughness. Women, on the other hand, report higher rates of internalizing disorders like depression, possibly influenced by gender roles encouraging emotional suppression.
These differences can be attributed to gender-role expectations shaping how individuals express distress and seek help. Traditional norms discourage men from showing vulnerability, leading to underreporting of mental health issues. Psychologists, as outlined in the article, play a crucial role in challenging harmful ideologies and promoting positive aspects of masculinity to break down barriers to help-seeking.
Classmate #2 Catherine
Both genders experience psychological disorders differently. Men are often overlooked when it comes to mental healthcare because ‘men are supposed to be strong’. Despite this stereotype, men suffer too and they deserve help as well. That is why the APA has somewhat recently released guidelines for men. This is fairly recent when we consider how important mens mental health is and how they also deserve help. Men’s mental health is very important because of things like rape, homicide, and violence. “Men commit 90 percent of homicides in the United States and represent 77 percent of homicide victims” (Pappas, S, 2019). If men received more mental healthcare perhaps these rates would be lower. Men are also more likely to die by suicide compared to females. This is why guidelines are important. Because of stereotypes and the oppression that women face, they also have staggering psychological disorders. Men have higher rates of substance abuse disorders (CBC, 2021). There are some times when men are perceived as more feminine and get asked why they are overemotional or if they are on their period. This is something that women experience regularly. A lot of these aspects contribute to mental health. I think there are gender differences between internalizing and externalizing because of the idea that women are emotional and men have to be strong. This aspect that men cannot cry or show emotion directly relates to why they internalize everything. It is often seen as weak when they do need help and or cry. Gender role expectations absolutely contribute to which gender gets more help and are mentally healthier. Like previously stated, men are pushed to be strong always and this contributes to how often or if they seek help. Many men think therapy is for women or weak people. This concept contributes to men’s desire to get help, even if they need it.
References
CBC. (2021). Gender and mental health: Episode 3, The future is intersectional [Video]. YouTube.
Pappas, S. (2019). APA issues first-ever guidelines for practice with men and boys. Monitor on Psychology, 50(1).
PERMALINKREPLY
