Gender, gender role, self -efficacy, rumination, and depression: An extension of Response Styles Theory

Barbara Pamp, Purdue University

Abstract

The current study applied structural equation modeling in the evaluation of key components of the Response Styles Theory (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1987), which argues gender differences in rumination may account for epidemiological gender differences in unipolar depression. It was hypothesized that socialization to a feminine gender role would predict low levels of self-efficacy and a tendency to ruminate in response to feelings of depression. Between-groups analyses found gender differences in rates of dysphoric mood, history of major depression, and levels and rates of rumination, with undergraduate women ( n = 112) producing significantly higher rates than men ( n = 115). There was no significant difference between men and women on self-efficacy, but highly feminine individuals of both genders reported lower levels of self-efficacy and higher levels of rumination and depression than highly masculine individuals. Application of SEM to test the measurement model revealed that this model was insufficient, which may have been a function of measurement error with respect to the self-efficacy construct. Consistent with RST literature, the robust relationship between rumination and dysphoric mood and/or history of depression was supported descriptively, correlationally, and in structural analysis. Extreme adherence to gender role was associated with rumination and depression and high self-efficacy predicted low rumination and dysphoric mood. Men and women who have this “masculine” quality may experience some protection against both rumination and depression.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Merritt, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Clinical psychology

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