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Gender differences in the perception and utilization of social support: Theoretical perspectives and an empirical test

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  • Flaherty, Joseph
  • Richman, Judith

Abstract

The authors contend that women are the more supportive, nurturing and affectively-connected sex. They argue that these gender differences result from socialization experiences which may be modified by social and occupational roles. Theoretical perspectives and research addressing this proposition are reviewed. Empirical data on support-eliciting and support-providing behaviors in a cohort of medical students are then provided to test their thesis. The data suggest that women have developed a greater sensitivity to the needs of themselves and others, leading to a greater capacity to provide support and a greater dependence upon social support for psychological well-being. Personality and developmental factors that may account for these differences are examined. The implications of these findings for gender differences in mental health are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Flaherty, Joseph & Richman, Judith, 1989. "Gender differences in the perception and utilization of social support: Theoretical perspectives and an empirical test," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 28(12), pages 1221-1228, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:28:y:1989:i:12:p:1221-1228
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    Cited by:

    1. Antonio Boing & S. Subramanian, 2015. "The influence of area-level education on body mass index, waist circumference and obesity according to gender," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 60(6), pages 727-736, September.
    2. Matthew P. Abrams & Joshua Salzman & Andrea Espina Rey & Katherine Daly, 2022. "Impact of Providing Peer Support on Medical Students’ Empathy, Self-Efficacy, and Mental Health Stigma," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-13, April.
    3. Gökmen Arslan, 2018. "Social Exclusion, Social Support and Psychological Wellbeing at School: A Study of Mediation and Moderation Effect," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 11(3), pages 897-918, June.
    4. Orme, John G. & Cherry, Donna J. & Rhodes, Kathryn W., 2006. "The Help with Fostering Inventory," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(11), pages 1293-1311, November.
    5. Fu, Rong & Noguchi, Harkuo & Tachikawa, Hirokazu & Aiba, Miyuki & Nakamine, Shin & Kawamura, Akira & Takahashi, Hideto & Tamiya, Nanako, 2017. "Relation between social network and psychological distress among middle-aged adults in Japan: Evidence from a national longitudinal survey," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 58-65.
    6. Hiles, Dominic & Moss, Duncan & Thorne, Lisa & Wright, John & Dallos, Rudi, 2014. "“So what am I?” — Multiple perspectives on young people's experience of leaving care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 1-15.

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