UMUC Men and Women React to Stressful Situations Differently Discussion

1. Are the same situations stressful for both men and women? Do both suffer from the same mental health issues or are there so gender differences to be found?

2. There are several factors that have been associated with depression. What role does gender play in depression? In other words, what are the features of each gender role that might contribute to depression in women and men?

3. Although some individuals (for instance, Thomas Szasz and Paula Caplan) have contended that psychiatric diagnoses are myths or “problems in living” and not actual disorders, can you think of constructive reasons for classifying mental health problems? What benefits do you think such a classification system might offer? Do gender differences exist regarding diagnosis and assessment? If so, what are the differences and why do they exist?

4.Watch and/or listen to this brief video about the life of David Reimer, then react to the story. What role did involuntary gender reassignment play in his life?