Are Women More Emotional Than Men?

Despite stereotypes, the answer may surprise you.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Despite Stereotypes, Women Aren't More Emotional Than Men      In many cultures—including those in the Western world—women are often framed as being more emotional compared to males. More than that, there's a socially ingrained idea that women are often overly emotional, to the point of being "dramatic," "too sensitive," or even "hysterical" (a word that references female anatomy, specifically).   While this might seem like a slam solely against those with two X chromosomes, this stereotype negatively impacts men, as well. They're often expected to exhibit fewer, if any, emotions—even in heart-wrenching situations. In other words, these stereotypes mean everyone loses.   A recent study from Scientific Reports observed the emotions of 142 men and women over 75 days. Researchers concluded that the male participants' emotions fluctuated just as much as the women. It even found that emotions remained the same among women who menstruate and those on birth control.   Though society is slowly moving away from stereotypes on this matter, having scientific evidence helps reiterate the importance of removing these unhelpful, often damaging rigid boxes.     Portraying women and men as inherently falling along stereotypical gender roles as 'natural' or 'innate' perpetuates incorrect gender role myths, stereotypes, and sexism." — CATHERINE MCKINLEY, PHD What This Means For You It might feel easy to step into molded stereotypes, but such assumptions can cause damage. They prevent everyone from expressing their full range of emotions in a healthy way, which negatively impacts our mental (and even physical) health. It's important to be honest about how you're feeling and to ask for help and support when you need it.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us Emotions are downright complicated. Sometimes we feel furiously angry, but deep down that anger comes from a place of embarrassment, hurt, or shame. Karla McLaren's "The Language of Emotions: What Your Feelings Are Trying to Tell You" helps you better understand, and accept, your emotions so you can move toward resolution and inner peace. Products to Help You Feel Your Best Created by Joy Johnson, LCSW, "The Self Compassion Workbook" is full of effective exercises and strategies designed to help you ground yourself, practice self-compassion, and confidently build the life you desire. Talking about our feelings can be a challenge. Like everything, though, practice can help us feel more comfortable and equipped to do so. The Box of Emotions is an 80-piece deck of cards with each featuring a specific emotion complete with beautiful graphics. If you're looking for a new self-help book to inspire you to make positive changes in the new year, here are seven of our favorites. Read These Next Signs of Suicidal Tendencies in Men READ NOW 7 Habits of Emotionally Intelligent People READ NOW The Shifting Landscape of What it Means to be a Man READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy