Gender Differences in Perceived Social Support and Stressful Life Events in Depressed Patients

摘要

Objective: To study the gender differences in perceived social support and life events in patients with depression. Methods: A total of 118 patients aged 18 to 60 years, with depressive disorder according to the DSM- IV-TR, were evaluated using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale. Results: The perceived social support score was significantly higher in males than females (p 0.001). Males perceived significantly higher social support from friends than females (p 0.001), whereas support from significant others was higher in females. There was a higher mean number of total life events as well as specific type of life events in males that became apparent after controlling for education (p 0.05). Financial loss or problems was the most commonly reported life event in both males and females. Work-related problems were more commonly reported by males, whereas family and marital conflict were more frequently reported by females. Conclusion: Perceived social support and stressful life events were higher in males with depression than females.