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Coping Style and Depression in Early Adolescence: Relationships to Gender, Gender Role, and Implicit Beliefs

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Abstract

Three studies were designed to investigate the interrelationships among coping styles, gender roles, and level of depression for early adolescents. Girls displayed more depression than boys, and more highly depressed girls demonstrated coping patterns similar to those of depressed adolescent and adult women. Individuals who identified with the feminine gender role showed increases in depression with age. Participants' implicit beliefs about what constituted appropriate coping behavior were also linked to gender. Both genders believed that men should not ruminate but that they should distract themselves from problems. The implications of these findings are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, Pennsylvania

    Patricia C. Broderick

  2. Department of Psychology, Neumann College, Aston, Pennsylvania

    Constance Korteland

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  1. Patricia C. Broderick
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  2. Constance Korteland
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Broderick, P.C., Korteland, C. Coping Style and Depression in Early Adolescence: Relationships to Gender, Gender Role, and Implicit Beliefs. Sex Roles 46, 201–213 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019946714220

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