Gender differences in depression: reality or illusion?

Abstract

This study investigated whether gender differences in depression is real or an illusion among 368 youths in north-central Nigeria. Participants’ ages ranged from 17 years to 44 years, with mean age of 23.59 years (SD = 5.70). Depression Symptoms Scale (DSS) was used for data collection in the study. A One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for data analysis. The result indicated that there was no gender difference in depression, F(1,367) = .02, p >. 05. Given the inconsistent findings on gender differences in depression, and other human behaviours in recent years, the authors call for a re-appraisal of the ways humanity sees self, noting that gender dichotomy in most instances is illusory, and divisive. Thus, there is a need for more integrative perception of human behaviour for more effective utilization of human resources.