Gender Differences in Distress: The Mediating Influence of Life Stressors and Psychological Resources

Abstract

Using the data from Canadian National Population Health Survey (NPHS), Cycle 1, this research explore gender differences in distress and the mediating influence of life stressors (i.e., chronic stress, work stress, negative life events, and childhood and adulthood trauma), and psychological resources (self-esteem, mastery, and sense of coherence). The findings from t-test analyses indicated that females reported more psychological distress, chronic stress, work stress, negative life events, and childhood and adulthood trauma, compared to males. However, in terms of psychological resources, male participants reported having more self-esteem, mastery, and sense of coherence. Results from regression analyses showed that life stressors and psychological resources are mediating factors influencing gender differences in distress, controlling for other socio-demographic and psychological variables.