Psychology of Gender

Vicki S. Helgeson, an accomplished scholar and teacher at Carnegie Mellon University, draws from research in the areas of psychology, sociology, anthropology, medicine, and public health to explore the roles that society has assigned to men and women, with a particular emphasis on the implications of gender for relationships and health.

 1. Introduction.


Definition of Terms. Cultural Differences in the Construal of Gender. The Scientific Method. Difficulties in Conducting Research on Gender. Philosophical and Political Issues Surrounding Gender. This Book's Approach to the Study of Gender. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.



 2. Conceptualization and Measurement of Gender Roles and Gender Role Attitudes.


History of the Psychology of Gender. Gender-Role Attitudes. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.



 3. Sex-Related Comparisons: Observations.


Sex Comparisons in Cognitive Abilities. Sex Comparisons in Social Domains. Sex Comparisons in Emotion. Sex Comparisons in Moral Development. Sex Comparisons in Social Development. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.



 4. Sex-Related Comparisons: Theory.


Biology. Evolutionary Theory and Sociobiology. Psychoanalytic Theory. Social Learning Theory. Gender-Role Socialization. Social Role Theory. Cognitive Development Theory. Gender Schema Theory. Considering the Context: Deaux and Major's Model. Constructionist and Postmodern Perspectives. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.



 5. Aggression.


Aggression/Violence. Theories of Aggression. Rape and Other Forms of Sexual Coercion. Domestic Abuse. Sexual Harassment. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.



 6. Achievement.


Individual Difference Factors. Social Factors. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.



 7. Communication.


Interaction Styles in Childhood. Interaction Styles in Adulthood. Language. Nonverbal Behavior. Influenceability. Explanations for Sex Differences in Communication. Leadership. Support Provision in Interactions. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.



 8. Friendship.


Network Size. The Nature of Friendship. Closeness of Friendship. Barriers to Closeness in Male Friendship. Self-Disclosure. Definition of Intimacy. Conflict in Friendship. Changes over the Life Span. Cross-Sex Friendship. Friendship at Work. Friendships of Lesbians and Gay Men. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.



 9. Romantic Relationships.


Relationship Development. The Nature of Romantic Relationships. Maintaining Relationships. Conflict. Gay and Lesbian Relationships. Cohabiting Relationships. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.



10. Sex Differences in Health: Evidence and Explanations.


Sex Differences in Mortality. Sex Differences in Morbidity. Explanations for Sex Differences in Health. Biology. Socioeconomic Status. Artifacts. Health Behaviors. Men's and Women's Social Roles. Symptom Perception. Illness Behavior. Conclusions. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.



11. Relationships and Health.


Effects of Marriage on Health. Effect of Bereavement on Health. Effect of Relationship Dissolution on Health. Effect of Marital Quality on Health. Division of Labor. Parenting and Health. Effect of Social Support on Health. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.



12. Work Roles and Health.


Work Role. Quality of Work Role. Discrimination. The Multiple Roles Question. Role Buffering and Role Exacerbation. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.



13. Mental Health.


Sex Differences in Depression. Methodological Artifacts. Theories of Depression. Challenges of Adolescence. Adjustment to Chronic Illness. Eating Disorders. Suicide. Summary. Discussion Questions. Suggested Reading. Key Terms.