The Differences in Emotional Expression Between Genders

Combined research shows men and women vary little in experiencing emotion but contrast greatly in the expression of emotion. Psychologists have studied the reasons behind the differences through the years and there are still many unanswered questions but there are several well-accepted possible causes and combination of causes. Neuro science and the brain makeup is the first area of proven differences.

Medical researchers have been aware for a long time that the male and female brain is different in size. In 2001, researchers from Harvard found certain parts of the brain were differently sized in males and females; this may answer some of the questions about the difference in the male and female brain in regards to development and emotions. Researchers found the parts of the frontal lobe, responsible for problem solving and decision-making, and the limbic cortex, responsible for regulating emotions, were larger in women (Hoag, 2008). In men, the parietal cortex, which is involved in space perception, and the amygdale, which regulates sexual and social behavior, was larger (Hoag, 2008).

The Limbic portion of a female brain is much larger than that of a male brain. This portion of the brain regulates emotion. It empowers a woman to be able to bond easier, be more aware of their feelings, and allows them to express them with ease; however, with this also comes the amplified possibility of depression. These episodes are more prevalent during hormonal changes. It is documented that women are up to three times more likely to attempt suicide but not nearly as likely to succeed with their attempts as men are. This is thought to be because women usually choose less aggressive methods than men do. Women are more likely to attemp...

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...ferences. Shifting biological factors due to advancements in medical research and natural mutation also supports the difficulty of resolving the answers as to exactly why these differences exist. It seems like a real possibility that we may forever live in an abyss when it comes to exacting the science concerning gender differences regarding emotions.

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Hoag, H. (2008, July 19). Sex on the Brain. New Scientist .

princess-ami. (n.d.). Male/Female Brain Differences. Retrieved from Medical Education on Line: http://www.medicaleducationonline.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46&Itemid=69

Wade, C. a. (2008). Psychology (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.