Gender Differences & Social Support Flashcards
What are the two explanations for gender differences in coping with stress?
-Physiological explanation: oxytocin.
-Psychological explanation: emotion-focused & problem-focused.
What is the physiological explanation for gender differences in coping with stress (supported by Taylor (2000))?
Although men and women have the same physiological response to stress (fight-or-flight), women respond in a calmer manner (tend-and-befriend) than men.
What is oxytocin?
The love hormone, released during the ‘tend-and-befriend’ process.
What is the role of oxytocin for gender differences in coping with stress?
-Women: oestrogen enhances the effect of oxytocin, reducing the stress response.
-Men: testosterone inhibits the effect of oxytocin, so oxytocin effects don’t last as long in men.
What is the psychological explanation for gender differences in coping with stress (supported by Lazarus & Folkman (1984))?
-Women: Emotion-Focused Coping.
-Men: Problem-Focused Coping.
What is emotion-focused coping?
The process of trying to reduce the negative emotional responses associated with stress (e.g. anxiety, embarrassment).
What is problem-focused coping?
The process of targeting stressors in practical ways which tackles the problem, directly reducing the stress.
How did Peterson (2006) study gender differences in coping with stress?
Peterson (2006) assessed men and women who had been diagnosed with infertility. Men were more likely to problem solve (problem-focused) and women were more likely to use avoidance tactics (emotion-focused).
Evaluation points for gender differences in coping with stress:
-Problems at work are better tackled by problem-focused techniques, whereas relationship problems are better dealt with by emotion-focused techniques.
-Gender differences may be due to the different types of stressors men & women face.
What is social support?
The help given by friends & family to assist a person in coping with stress.
What are the 3 types of social support?
-Instrumental support.
-Emotional support.
-Esteem support.
What is instrumental support?
Practical support.
Example- giving someone a lift to the hospital.
What is emotional support?
Providing comfort and empathy.
Example- ‘if there is anything you need, I’m here for you’.
What is esteem support?
Raising one’s self-confidence, giving them belief that they can cope with the demands of a stressor.
Example- ‘I know you can get through this’.
How did Fawzy (1993) study social support?
Fawzy (1993) found that cancer patients who had access to emotional support from a support group were more likely to be cancer-free in 6 years than a control group.
