A Study on the Relationship between the Rate of Depression and Gender Role Stereotypes in Married College Students

Depression is a disorder that has received the most attention regardinggender issue. Gender differences in prevalence of depression have beenreported in several studies (Crawford and Anger 2004). The rate ofdepression in women, regardless of nationality or socio–economic statusis greater than the rate of depression in men (Brannon, 2002). Genderrole stereotypes and cultural clichés influence in prevalence of mentaldisorders, especially, depression. The aim of the present study iscomparison of the gender role stereotypes with the rate of depression in60 married college students (30 women and 30 men). The Bem Sex RoleInventory (BSRI) and the Beck Depression Inventory - second edition (BDI- II) have been administered. The results show that there are nosignificant differences in the rate of depression between married femaleand male students. But, there are significant differences in the rate ofdepression of students according to the gender role stereotypes inwomen (t= 2. 25, P<0. 1) and men (t=2, P<0. 1). The results have beendiscussed on the basis of cultural clichés about femininity andmasculinity and the influence of the stereotypes and changing of thoseclichés on the rate and prevention of depression.