Gender analysis seeks to understand how different sociocultural and subjective factors of being a man or a woman have a differential impact on physical, psychological and social health processes. In this sense, it is necessary to differentiate the concepts of sex and gender, since “sex” refers to biological, anatomical and physiological characteristics, while “gender” refers to psychosocial components and cultural constructions through social norms and roles linked to each sex (WHO, 2006).
Incorporating the gender perspective in clinical practice implies taking into account the differential etiological mechanisms underlying different psychopathologies of biological (sex-linked) and psychosocial origin, while making it possible to implement therapeutic strategies adapted to the different life and psychological circumstances of women and men.
Although there are no differences between sexes in the overall rates of mental disorders, there is a differential prevalence in specific mental disorders. Thus, in Spain the prevalence of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders in women over 16 years of age is 19.1% compared to 8.1% in men in which behavioral disorders, substance use disorders and antisocial personality disorders are more prevalent (Ministry of Health, Social Policy and Equality, 2011).
The finding of qualitative and quantitative differences between women and men in terms of psychopathological profile and psychiatric morbidity, as well as differential characteristics in the way of expressing and manifesting distress, suggest the participation of different variables associated with gender in the development of vulnerability to stress, which increase the probability of suffering from depressive and anxious symptoms as well as ineffective coping and emotional regulation (e.g., tendency to emotional suppression in men and rumination in women).
Taking these psychosocial factors into account throughout the therapeutic process makes it possible to identify relevant aspects in the processes of recovery and cognitive change, while minimizing the perpetuation of maladaptive gender stereotypes and biases that limit resources and potentialities necessary for healthy personal development.
For more information see “The role of rumination and gender in depression” (Giménez, Aparicio & Ramos, 2013).