The Wage Gap may explain the Sex Difference in the Diagnosis of Mood Disorders

A Knowledge Translation Piece by Lisa Ros-Choi

What is the research about?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety are twice as prevalent in women as in men. To explain this phenomena, countless theories have been suggested. While some scientists believe that the gender disparities is due to biological factors such as hormones, others suggest that sociological influences, such as differences in upbringing, may play an important role. Researchers have also proposed a difference in coping mechanisms and stress reactivity between sexes. Nonetheless, little research has provided a solid explanation for the sex difference in the diagnosis of mood disorders. The authors of this article theorize that gender inequality may be the cause for the 2:1 female to male ratio in prevalence of mood disorders. Interestingly, the paper presented is the first large epidemiological study which measures gender-specific and stress-inducing forms of discrimination, comparing it to mood disorders.

What did the researchers do?

The wage gap was used to represent gender inequality. Data regarding the study population’s sex, income and mental health was obtained from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. The study comprised of 7155 women and 10,622 men between the ages 30–65, ensuring that they are working part- or full-time. Males and females of similar backgrounds (such as experience, skill sets, time in the workforce) were paired together to ensure that the difference in income between the two individuals is only due to sexual discriminatory factors (i.e., sexism). The level of income inequality and presence of mood disorders were measured for each pair and compared to other pairs.

What did the researchers find?

In pairs where males received higher pay than females, females were two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with mood disorders, representing the current gender prevalence pattern. In contrast, when females received higher pay compared to their male counterparts, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of mood disorders between the two sexes.

How can you use this research?

The authors confirmed that gender inequality in the workplace resulting in the wage gap between sexes can cause higher rates of mood disorder diagnosis in females. When considering gender discrimination, one focuses on unequal pay or lack of respect. However, this study suggests that gender discrimination extends to one’s mental health, and therefore, could be targeted to improve the well-being of others.

Take Home Message

• Authors seek to explain the gender disparity in the diagnosis of mood disorders using the wage gap
• Women who received less than their male counterparts were two of three times more likely to be diagnosed with a mood disorder
• Gender inequality extends to the mental health of individuals, and therefore, could be targeted to improve the mental well-being of others

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Source

Platt, J., Prins, S., Bates, L., & Keyes, K. (2016). Unequal depression for equal work? How the wage gap explains gendered disparities in mood disorders. Social Science & Medicine, 149, 1–8.