RELATIONAL SELF-REGULATION - GENDER DIFFERENCES IN RISK FOR DYSPHORIA

This study examined gender differences in the level and psychological significance of discrepancy with own ideal standards versus ideal stan dards held by parents and close others. Women showed higher levels of discrepancy with their own ideal standards than with the inferred idea l standards of parents and close others, suggesting that women may see k congruency with others' hopes and wishes at the price of failing to attain their own aspirations. Men showed equal levels of discrepancy w ith their own and significant-other ideal standards. Discrepancy with own ideal standards was associated with increased dysphoria in both me n and women, but discrepancy with others' ideal standards was associat ed with significantly elevated levels of dysphoria only in women. Beli efs that failing to meet others' standards would result in abandonment and rejection (self-other contingency beliefs) contributed independen tly from discrepancy in predicting dysphoria. These findings suggest t hat the tendency to modulate affect, self-esteem and behaviour from a relational perspective (relational self-regulation) may increase risk for psychological distress. Women may be more likely to adopt this reg ulatory style as a function of their socialization experiences.