The study also found that the while there was no clear distinction in task performance by the men and women, the men reported a greater acute response in their perceived stress compared to women.
My interpretation of this is that when a woman faces moderate psychological stress, she may likely reach out to loved ones seeking that “feel good” oxytocin and/or endorphin hit (from love and bonding). Possibly, this makes her more inclined to reach out to her partner, or else a close friend or family member, to talk things through; whereas a man may feel more negative emotions, and given that he is more naturally inclined to either “fight or flight”, he may likely choose to “flee” or retreat to a quiet place, perhaps also as a learned coping mechanism to mitigate the alternative “fight” response (i.e., he needs to retreat to stay calm, collect his thoughts, and decide how to proceed). Based on the areas of the brain triggered, the man could also feel a strong desire to “problem solve” and reason; whereas the woman’s strong desire may be to feel good/better again.
This knowledge is not only helpful to better understand relationship dynamics, but as the study explains, also to potentially uncover gender-specific risk factors for stress-related health problems/consequences in men versus women.
Based on the areas of the brain triggered, the man could also feel a strong desire to “problem solve” and reason; whereas the woman’s strong desire may be to feel good/better again.
If you would like to learn even more about stress, the effects it has on your body and health, and most importantly how to effectively reduce and better manage the stress in your life, Elevate Your Life Coaching offers a short course/program called Master Your Stress. Your coach provides you with personalised support and guides you in taking immediate actions, as well as developing a personalised stress management plan to help elevate your resilience and effectiveness at work and home. Simply contact us for more information on this offering, or schedule a free chat here.
References:
1 Jiongjiong Wang, Marc Korczykowski, Hengyi Rao, Yong Fan, John Pluta, Ruben C. Gur, Bruce S. McEwen, John A. Detre, Gender difference in neural response to psychological stress, Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Volume 2, Issue 3, September 2007, Pages 227-239, https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsm018
2 Roberto Grujičić MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios MD, PhD; Last reviewed: March 20, 2022. https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/prefrontal-cortex
3 The Science of Psychotherapy, Prefrontal Cortex; Jan 4, 2017 https://www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.com/prefrontal-cortex/
4 Dr. Simon Moss, Ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, June 30, 2016 Ventrolateral prefrontal cortex / Dr Simon Moss / – Sicotests
Originally published here.
Stephanie Sullivan is a dual certified Life and Health Coach and founder of Elevate Your Life Coaching PTY LTD. After 23 years in demanding, high-stress corporate roles as a business consultant, then a corporate executive, she knows first-hand about stress and trying to balance career and parenting demands, along with personal needs and wellbeing. Now Steph’s purpose is helping people to make life changes to reduce stress, increase energy, and achieve their personal goals, life ambitions, and wellbeing. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, or send her an email at steph@elevateyourlifecoaching.com.au.
