Literature Review on Gender Differences in Coping Strategies of Human Beings

It is an established fact that men and women differ in many ways, with different emotions and perceptions, with different personality characteristics (Burr, 1998). There has been much debate regarding the different gender related issues as more and more researches are being conducted. Although much of the research on gender is surrounded by controversy, researchers still ponder over different issues concerning gender differences. Many issues have been taken to account such as stress levels, adaptation and social relationships which are some of the areas in which there are significant gender differences (Larsen & Buss, 2002). Gender difference in coping is an interesting issue among these various issues regarding gender differences. The different coping styles adapted by the different sexes itself shows that there are evident differences between how both sexes cope with stress and chaotic life experiences. Researches show that men adapt more action direct approaches than women in stressful work situations (Porter & Stone, 1995). This literature review focuses on 8 different researches done illustrating this issue.
In a research done by Fagot & Hamilton, 1988 a comparison of chronic stress and coping styles of female and male undergraduates were done. The aim of this study was to “study the expressive instrumental coping dichotomy by evaluating gender differences to stressful events that are experienced on a daily basis by men and women” (Fagot et al. 1988, p.819). 56 women and 43 men from University of Oregon who were in their first year of undergraduate level were selected as participants. 3 telephone interviews per week for 8 weeks were conducted by trained research assistants. By the end of 24 phone calls the number of participants was declined to 51 women and 39 men. “The coping strategies were coded as expressive or instrumental” (Fagot et al. 1988, p.821). Expressive was when the coping strategy used by the participant was mainly focused on feelings, emotions

References: Berlin, S. & Borden, W. (1990). Gender, Coping, and Psychological Well-being in Spouses of Older Adults with Chronic Dementia. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 60(4), 603-610. Retrieved March 19, 2008 from PsychARTICLES database. Bradly, G. & Eaton, R.J. (2008). The Role of Gender and Negative Affectivity in Stressor Appraisal and Coping Selection. International Journal of Stress Management, 15(1), 94-115. Retrieved March 19, 2008 from PsychARTICLES database. Brun, A., Desplan, J., Fortes, G., Montpelier & Osseja, Ninot, G., Poulain, M., Prefaut, C., & Varray,A. (2006). Gender Difference in Coping Strategies Among Patients Enrolled in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Program. Heartlung, 35(2), 130-36. Burr, V., (1998). Gender and Social Psychology, Routledge, London & New York. DeVeries, H.M., Hamilton, D.W., Lovett, S. & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (1997). Patterns of Coping Preferences for Male and Female Caregivers of Frail Older Adults. Psychology and Aging, 12, 263-267. Retrieved March 19, 2008 from PsychARTICLES database. Eschenbeck, H., Kohlmann, C-W. & Lohaus, A. (2007). Gender Differences in Coping Strategies in Children and Adolescents. Journal of Invidual Differences, 28(1), 18-26. Retrieved March 19, 2008 from PsychARTICLES database. Fagot, B.I. & Hamilton, S. (1988). Chronic Stress and Coping Styles: A Comparison of Male and Female Undergraduates, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 55, 819-823. Retrieved March 19, 2008 from PsychARTICLES database. Larsen, R.J., & Buss, D.M., (2005), Personality Psychology – Domains of Knowledge about Human Nature (2nd edition), McGraw Hill, New York. Matud, M.P. (2004). Gender Differences in Stress and Coping Styles. Personality and Individual Differences, 37, 1401-1415. Porter,L.S