From early adolescence through adulthood, women are twice as likely as men
to experience depression. Many different explanations for this gender diffe
rence in depression have been offered, but none seems to fully explain it.
Recent research has focused on gender differences in stress responses, and
in exposure to certain stressors. I review this research and describe how g
ender differences in stress experiences and stress reactivity may interact
to create women's greater vulnerability to depression.