Who Is More Depressed?: Business Communication Research Report

Business Communication Research Report
Who Is More Depressed?
GROUP MEMBERS
AAZAR ALI SHAD
FOUZIA ARIF
FARIHA SAMAD
BBA-IV
Business Communications Research Report- Who is More Depressed?
Table of Contents
Executive Summary.....................................................................................................................................3
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................4
Research Design and Methodology.............................................................................................................5
The Sample..............................................................................................................................................5
Research variables and measures............................................................................................................5
Propositions/Hypotheses........................................................................................................................5
Data Analysis Procedure..........................................................................................................................5
Presentation and Analysis of Empirical Results...........................................................................................7
Hypothesis I - ‘Men are less depressed than women’.............................................................................7
Hypothesis II - ‘Youngsters have a greater tendency for depression’......................................................8
Combined Results....................................................................................................................................8
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................9
Appendix...................................................................................................................................................10
References.................................................................................................................................................13
Page 2 of 19
Executive Summary
While men and women are basically the same when it comes to the mechanics of depression,
there are some subtle differences in male and female depression due to society's expectations of
what being a particular gender means, as well as hormonal differences. The aim of this study was
to analyze the depression levels in the male and female population of Karachi, as well as the
levels of depression in three age groups which maybe broadly categorized as adolescents/young
adults (17-25yrs), adults (26-39 yrs) and middle aged (40-60yrs). The survey was carried out
through a comprehensive questionnaire. The results of the research concluded that male are less
depressed than women in the society and youngsters included in the survey do have a higher
tendency for depression compared to people in the middle aged groups but lower than those
above 40. The susceptibility of depression in women is so high, because of environmental factors
which include the gender stereotypes and identity roles. Other factors unique to women are
suspected to play a role in developing depression and include reproductive, hormonal, genetic or
other biological factors; abuse and oppression; interpersonal factors; and certain psychological
and personality characteristics. Also the fall of depression in early adulthood and rise in late life
mostly reflects life-cycle gains and losses in marriage, employment, and economic well-being.
Depression reaches its highest level in adults above 40, because physical dysfunction and low
personal control add to personal and status losses. However, some of the differences among age
groups in depression reflect higher education in younger generations, and some reflect different
rates of survival across demographic groups that also vary in their levels of depression.
Page 3 of 19
Introduction
Almost everyone feels sad sometimes, but most often sad moods are transitory, reactions to
negative experiences - separation, loss, failure, family conflict - and do not necessarily portend
depression. However, when sad feelings persist over time and color the way a person functions,
he or she may be experiencing clinical depression. The term 'depression' is often used to refer to
a depressive mood, which may be transient; it also refers to a diagnosis of an illness known as a
clinical depression.1
Understandably, “the number of people diagnosed as depressed keeps going up,” says a report in
the Los Angeles Times, “and the age of onset [of depression] keeps going down…
Antidepressants are on the drug company best-seller list.”
Anxiety and depressive disorders are common in all regions of the world. They constitute a
substantial proportion of the global burden of disease, and are projected to form the second most
common cause of disability by 2020. This increased importance of non-communicable diseases
such as anxiety and depressive disorders presents a particular challenge for low income
countries, where infectious diseases and malnutrition are still rife and where only a low
percentage of gross domestic product is allocated to health services. These disorders are also
important because of their economic consequences. With an estimated population of 152 million,
Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world. It is projected that, by 2050, the
population will have increased to make it the fourth most populous country.2
In Pakistan, one in three people are anxious or depressed. Socioeconomic adversity and
relationship problems are major risk factors for anxiety and depressive disorders in Pakistan. In a
review of 20 studies, Mirza and Jenkins found that the prevalence of anxiety and depression in
Pakistan was 33%. Being anxious or depressed was associated with female sex, middle age, low
level of education, difficulties with finances, being a housewife, and relationship problems; a
supportive family and friends may be of help.3
Also, for the past 30 years or so, all over the world, women have experienced depression about
twice as frequently as men. Some researchers even quote a female-male ratio of 3:1 for
depression.4 For major depression which is more impairing than a number of other medical
conditions, the ratio has been reported as four women for every man, although rates vary with
ethnicity and culture.5
1
NYU child study centre
2
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/328/7443/794
3
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/328/7443/0-b
4
Klerman & Weissman, 1989; Wetzel, 1994
5
Sileo, 1990
Page 4 of 19
Research Design and Methodology
Objective of the Study

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the rate of depression and gender and age
differences in the population of Karachi, one of the biggest urban centers of Pakistani. The
research goes on further to investigate which of the two genders is more depressed and to suggest
some of the antecedents of depression in either gender.
Methodology
After thorough literature review of online sources and magazine articles related to previous
researches and studies done on similar topics, a comprehensive questionnaire was designed as an
instrument for gathering survey data. The raw data was then statistically arranged into a
structured and analytical form for drawing inferences.
The Sample
Questionnaires were distributed among a total of 30 people belonging to three different age
groups;
 17-25 years
 26-40 years
 40-60 years
Efforts were made to ensure the sample size consisted of people belonging to different family
and educational backgrounds, localities and professions.
Research variables and measures

The variables measured in the questionnaire included the participant’s age, gender and
depression level using rating based questions.
Propositions/Hypotheses
I. Men are less depressed than women.
II. Youngsters have a greater tendency for depression.
Data Analysis Procedure

The questionnaire consisted of a set of 26 statements and the participants were given a choice of
either strongly agreeing, just agreeing, disagreeing or strongly disagreeing to them. Individual
depression scores were then calculated on a scale of 1 to 4 where 4 was the highest level of
depression.
Page 5 of 19
The questions were divided into two sets depending on the use of negation words. The first set
included questions that were phrased negatively and hence agreement would indicate a higher
degree of depression.
Examples of questions in this set include:
o I don’t feel particularly pleased with the way I am.

o I am not particularly optimistic about the future.
o I don’t find it easy to make decisions.
o I do not think that the world is a good place.
o I don’t think I look attractive.
Note the use of the words ‘not’, ‘don’t’ and ‘do not’ in these statements. The score criterion for
such questions was as follows:
Strongly agree 4
Agree 3
Disagree 2
Strongly Disagree 1
The second set included questions phrased positively. Examples of questions in this set include:
o I am well satisfied about everything in my life.

o I feel able to take anything on.
o I feel I have a great deal of energy.
o I can fit in (find time for) everything I want to do.
o Life is good.
Agreement to these questions indicated a lower degree of depression and hence the score
criterion for such questions was as follows:
Strongly agree 1
Agree 2
Disagree 3
Strongly Disagree 4
The purpose of the survey was not disclosed to the participants to nullify any psychological
effect that could cause them to choose answers that reflected their perception of their own
depression level.
Page 6 of 19
Once individual scores had been calculated, an average score for each of the three age groups
and the genders was calculated. Conclusions are based on these average scores.
Page 7 of 19
Presentation and Analysis of Empirical Results
Hypothesis I - ‘Men are less depressed than women’
The following table presents the average scores of males and females.
Gender Average Score

Male 2.410
Female 2.487
Considering females have a higher average score of depression, the hypothesis; ‘Men are less
depressed than women’ holds true for people of Karachi.
There are several reasons put forth by studies conducted in the past that state why women are
more susceptible to depression.
Gender Roles
A woman’s role as a wife, worker, mother, and caretaker contribute to the levels of everyday
stress. The qualities of each of these roles are looked at differently through the eyes of women
and men. In reference to marriage, it typically has value and merit if two partners love each
other. However, the quality of marriage is more strongly related to home life satisfaction for
women compared to men (Denmark & Paludi, 1993). This difference may be attributed to gender
differences in the psychological purpose of marriage. Males may have more instrumental gains
from marriage (e.g., in the form of services, such as housekeeping). Females, who have fewer
alternatives, may invest more emotionally in their marital roles (Denmark & Paludi, 1993). From
this it can clearly be stated that these differences may result in tension between two partners.
And thus may result in depressive feelings for women that may leave them feeling as if they
were servants to their husbands, not companions. Women reported higher rates of their partners
as less caring and as more likely to be a depressogenic stressor (Wilhelm & Roy, 2002).
An additional role that women partake in that is parallel to marital roles is parental roles. These
roles are very closely related, because marriage may be the main basis to raise children. Because
women have been labeled in the past as child caretakers, this stereotype has been hard to break.
There are very few families in our society that have males as the primary caretaker of their
children. Women even if employed, spend about 70 hours a week with their children. On the
opposite spectrum, fathers’ involvement with children average about 30 hours a week and do not
significantly vary with wives’ employment (Denmark & Paludi, 1993). The average level of role
strain for mothers who have careers was not greatly affected. However, women who are
Page 8 of 19
employed feel dissatisfaction with the amount of time they are allotted for their children and
spouse. However, because of stereotypes and misconceptions women tend not to complain about
their gender roles. Ratings by fathers revealed that the more time the mother spent, relative to
him, in child care tasks, the greater his satisfaction with her work schedule and her overall time
allocation (Denmark & Paludi, 1993). Similarly to that statement, men’s perceptions over
sharing tasks appeared to depend only on how satisfied they were with the division of tasks.
Thus, many men appear to be happy when they are not sharing in domestic tasks, and the fact
that they know their wives are not happy about it does not lower their marital satisfaction
(Denmark & Paludi, 1993).
Through the analysis of these two gender roles, it is evident that women are dissatisfied with
their gender responsibilities. Women are faced with the problem of how to make their lives
meaningful. With decreasing family size, increasing longevity, and increased self-expectation,
the time over which the married woman undertakes other roles in addition to being a mother is
becoming longer (Weissman & Paykel, 1974).
Gender Idenities
Correspondingly with gender roles; come gender identities. The gender stereotypes can be said to
affect gender identities the most severely. Stereotypes that women should be beautiful and
refined are ones that influence the Pakistani culture to a great extent. Some researchers have
suggested that information about physical appearance, and in particular physical attractiveness,
might be more crucial to impression of women than of men (Denmark & Paludi, 1993). Girls
show less satisfaction with their physical appearance than do boys, starting in third grade
(Hankin & Abramson, 2001). In modern times the idea that "thin is beautiful" has become the
socially accepted norm. The media publicizes what is beautiful; and more often than not women
don’t seem to equate to these looks. Thus, these contributing factors if taken to the extreme can
result in dangerous feelings and habits, such as depression and eating disorders. When in
reference to women, these two disorders are extremely comorbid with each other.
Eating disorders result in mental and physical health problems. Two of the most widespread
eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. Symptoms of these eating disorders are: obsession
with weight, frequent and long trips to the bathroom (often with running water), food rituals
(shifting food around, cutting food into tiny pieces, or keeping utensils from touching lips, hiding
food), hair loss, and pale or "gray" skin. "These symptoms can be linked with women, since
more women have been diagnosed with lifetime histories of eating disorder than men" (Hankin
& Abramson, 2001).
Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia, panic disorder,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and specific phobia, have been largely and functionally
linked to depressive thoughts that affect women and adolescent girls.
Page 9 of 19
Biological Factors
Hormonal regulation largely affects the rate of depression in women. It is certain that women
experience many more hormonal changes than do men (due to childbirth, premenstrual
syndrome, menstruation, contraceptive drugs, postpartum period, and menopause) (Formanek &
Gurian, 1987).The increase in depression rates can also be attributed to, women feeling less
womanly. These thoughts can occur at menopausal stages because women become infertile and
feel they have aged and are elderly. In addition it is true that men tend to value attractiveness and
youth in their mates much more than do women (Ben Hamida, Mineka & Bailey, 1998).6
Women's reproductive events include the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the post pregnancy period,
infertility, menopause, and sometimes, the decision not to have children. These events bring
fluctuations in mood that for some women include depression. Researchers have confirmed that
hormones have an effect on brain chemistry. Changes in emotions and mood often result. Many
women experience certain behavioral and physical changes associated with phases of their
menstrual cycles. In some women, these changes are severe, occur regularly, and include
depressed feelings, irritability, and other emotional and physical changes. Postpartum
depressions can range from transient "blues" following childbirth to severe, incapacitating,
psychotic depressions. Pregnancy (if it is desired) seldom contributes to depression, and having
an abortion does not appear to lead to a higher incidence of depression. Women with infertility
problems may be subject to extreme anxiety or sadness, though it is unclear if this contributes to
a higher rate of depressive illness. In addition, young motherhood may be a time of heightened
risk for depression, due to the increased stress.
Personality and psychology
Studies show that individuals with certain characteristics-- pessimistic thinking, low self-esteem,
a sense of having little control over life events, and proneness to excessive worrying-- are more
likely to develop depression. These attributes may heighten the effect of stressful events or
interfere with taking action to cope with them. Some experts have suggested that the traditional
upbringing of girls might foster these traits and that may be a factor in the higher rate of
depression in women.
Victimization
Studies show that women molested as children are more likely to have clinical depression at
some time in their lives than those with no such history. In addition, several studies show a
higher incidence of depression among women who were raped as adults. Since far more women
than men were sexually abused as children, these findings are relevant. Women who experience
other commonly occurring forms of abuse, such as physical abuse and sexual harassment on the
6
http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/mule.html
Page 10 of 19
job, also may experience higher rates of depression. Abuse may lead to depression by fostering
low self-esteem, a sense of helplessness, self-blame, and social isolation.
Family factors
Family factors such as the quality of the parents' marriage, parenting style, role modeling and the
emotional status of the parents are related to depression in girls. Research shows that daughters
whose parents have an egalitarian relationship, and daughters whose parents are supportive,
attentive, receptive to emotions, rather than punishing and restricting, show lower levels of
depression. Research results also indicate that girls are more likely than boys to react to negative
events in the family. Adolescent girls, closely bound to their families, are more likely to be
exposed to family stresses over a longer period of time. Girls learn about being female from
modeling themselves on their mothers. In addition to the genetic factor, children of depressed
mothers are vulnerable to emotional problems. In a 10-year follow-up study of the children of
depressed mothers, the daughters, not the sons, were found to have low self-esteem. Female
development throughout the lifespan, according to self-in-relation theorists, is based on the
importance of attachment and relationships. Some experts think that females' tendency to place
greater value than males do on interpersonal connection and relationships with other people
renders them more vulnerable to losses and depression.
Therefore it can be concluded that the susceptibility of depression, is largely affected by

environmental roles and must be taken into account for when comparing women and men.
Page 11 of 19
Hypothesis II - ‘Youngsters have a greater tendency for depression’
The following table presents the average scores of each of the three age groups.
Age Group Average Score

17-25 2.367
26-39 2.275
40-60 2.644
The United Nations, for statistical purposes, defines ‘youth’, as persons between the ages of 15
and 24 years.7 Based on this definition, youngsters included in the survey do have a higher
tendency for depression compared to adults but lower than those above 40 i.e. in their middle
age. Also the rate of depression tends to increase as people approach middle age.
According to a research, one possible reason for the increasing rate of depression in middle age
may be that people realize they won’t achieve many of their aspirations.8
The fall of depression in early adulthood and rise in late life mostly reflects life-cycle gains and
losses in marriage, employment, and economic well-being. Depression reaches its highest level
in adults above 40 years, because physical dysfunction and low personal control add to personal
and status losses. However, some of the differences among age groups in depression reflect
higher education in younger generations.
Symptoms of depression in youngsters include storminess, apparent exhaustion, apathy,

irritability, and rapid-fire changes in every realm, including appetite and sleep habits. Staying up
late and sleeping until noon or throwing over one interest in favor of others probably doesn't
signal depression. But constant exhaustion and an unexplained withdrawal from friends and
activities a child once enjoyed are reasons for concern. Because depression often coexists with
behavioral problems, anxiety, or substance abuse, experts consider a wide range of potential
indicators, such as these:
 poor performance in school or frequent absences
 efforts or threats to run away from home
 bursts of unexplained irritability, shouting, or crying
 markedly increasing hostility or anger
 abuse of alcohol, drugs, or other dangerous substances

7
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/qanda.htm
8
‘Middle age prone to depression’ by Michael Kahn - http://www.dawn.com/2008/01/30/int12.htm
Page 12 of 19
 social isolation or loss of interest in friends
 hypersensitivity to rejection or failure
 reckless behavior.
Depressed youngsters don't oversleep or act sluggish as often as depressed adults do, but
otherwise, the symptoms of depressive disorders in children, teenagers, and adults are generally
similar
Page 13 of 19
Combined Results
Males Females
17 – 25 2.115 2.462
26 – 39 2.218 2.317
40 – 60 2.654 2.635
As depicted by the table, more adolescent females than males and more adult women than men
experience depression. However, the depression level of males in old age increases drastically
and is approximately equal to that of women. This is in line with the research findings of Nolen-
Hoeksema, Larson, & Grayson in 1999 according to which "Gender differences in depressive
symptoms appear to emerge in early adolescence and then remains throughout the adult life
span".9
Consistent findings indicate that adolescent girls develop depressive symptoms at an earlier age
than do adolescent boys. Emerging gender differences can be caused by individual vulnerability,
life stress, and pubertal transitional challenge.
A 4-year longitudinal study of community adolescent girls found the peak risk for the onset of
binge eating to occur at 16 and the peak onset for purging to occur at age 18 (Hankin &
Abramson, 2001). These eating disorders seem to be age appropriate, because at these times girls
are very aware of their appearances. The awareness or sensitivity may be caused between the
ages of 16 and 18, because it is a prime time to prepare for physical relationships with the
opposite sex. Girls fear rejection so much that they are willing to put the needs, interests, and
desire of others above their own (Smolak & Fairman, 2002). Women most obviously want to be
desired by the opposite sex and in result go to great lengths to appear attractive. The extent to
which women are concerned with their appearances may become quiet frightening and create
severe depressive cognitions. Hence adolescent females are more depressed than adolescent
males.
Another potential reason for the susceptibility of depression in young girls is that they are at a
much higher risk for the potential to be raped or sexually assaulted in our society.
Also in adolescence roles and expectations change dramatically. The stresses of adolescence
include forming an identity, confronting sexuality, separating from parents, and making
decisions for the first time, along with other physical, intellectual, and hormonal changes. These
stresses are generally different for boys and girls, and may be associated more often with
depression in females. Some researchers have suggested that men and women differ in their
9
http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/mule.html
Page 14 of 19
expression of emotional problems. In adolescence, boys are more likely to develop behavioral
and substance abuse problems, while girls are more likely to become depressed. 10
10
http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/women.htm
Page 15 of 19
Conclusion
Available evidence suggests a major social cause for anxiety and depressive disorders in
Pakistan. One of the causes of rising depression maybe the growing political instability and
prevalent uncertainty in the society which may lead the general population to become more and
more insecure of their futures. This evidence, however, is limited because of methodological
problems, so caution must be exercised in generalizing this to the whole of the population of
Pakistan.
Factors positively associated with anxiety and depressive disorders were female sex, middle age,
low level of education, financial difficulty, being a housewife, and relationship problems. Those
who have close confiding relationships are less likely to have anxiety and depressive disorders.
Recommendations
There were no rigorously controlled trials of treatments for depressive disorders. Pakistani
women are relatively better off than their counterparts in other developing countries of South
Asia. However, fundamental changes are required to improve their quality of life. It is imperative
that constructive steps be taken to implement women friendly laws and opportunity be provided
for cross-cultural learning. Strategies should be devised to enhance the status of women as useful
members of the society.
Limitations
The survey was limited to the population of Karachi only
Page 16 of 19
APPENDIX
QUESTIONNAIRE
Age:  17-25  26-39  40-60 Gender:  Male  Female
1. I don’t feel particularly pleased with the way I am.

Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
2. I am intensely interested in other people.

3. I feel that life is very rewarding.

4. I have very warm feelings towards almost everyone.

5. I rarely wake up feeling rested.

6. I am not particularly optimistic about the future.

7. I find most things amusing.

8. Life is good.
9. I do not think that the world is a good place.

10. I laugh a lot.

11. I am well satisfied about everything in my life.

12. I don’t think I look attractive.
Page 17 of 19
13. There is a gap between what I would like to do and what I have done.
14. I find beauty in some things.

15. I always have a cheerful effect on others.

16. I can fit in (find time for) everything I want to do.

17. I feel that I am not especially in control of my life.

18. I feel able to take anything on.

19. I often experience joy and elation.

20. I don’t find it easy to make decisions.

21. I don’t have a particular sense of meaning and purpose in my life.

22. I feel I have a great deal of energy.

23. I usually have a good influence on events.

24. I don’t have fun with other people.

25. I don’t feel particularly healthy.

26. I don’t have particularly happy memories of the past.
Page 18 of 19
Thank you for your time!
References
1. National Institute of Mental Health; website

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1414670/
2. NYU child study centre
3. NYU child study centre
4. http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/328/7443/794
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/328/7443/0-b
5. Klerman & Weissman, 1989; Wetzel, 1994
6. Sileo, 1990
7. http://www.meaningandhappiness.com/oxford-happiness-questionnaire/214/
8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1401846
9. http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/mule.html
10. http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/qanda.htm
11. ‘Middle age prone to depression’ by Michael Kahn -
http://www.dawn.com/2008/01/30/int12.htm
12. http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/mule.html
13. http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/women.htm
Page 19 of 19

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Business Communication Research Report

Who Is More Depressed?

Research Design and Methodology

Objective of the Study

Research variables and measures

Data Analysis Procedure

Examples of questions in this set include:

o I don’t feel particularly pleased with the way I am.

o I am well satisfied about everything in my life.

Presentation and Analysis of Empirical Results

Hypothesis I - ‘Men are less depressed than women’

Gender Average Score

Personality and psychology

Therefore it can be concluded that the susceptibility of depression, is largely affected by

Hypothesis II - ‘Youngsters have a greater tendency for depression’

Age Group Average Score

Symptoms of depression in youngsters include storminess, apparent exhaustion, apathy,

 poor performance in school or frequent absences

 efforts or threats to run away from home

 bursts of unexplained irritability, shouting, or crying

 markedly increasing hostility or anger

 abuse of alcohol, drugs, or other dangerous substances

 social isolation or loss of interest in friends

 hypersensitivity to rejection or failure

The survey was limited to the population of Karachi only

1. I don’t feel particularly pleased with the way I am.

2. I am intensely interested in other people.

3. I feel that life is very rewarding.

4. I have very warm feelings towards almost everyone.

5. I rarely wake up feeling rested.

6. I am not particularly optimistic about the future.

7. I find most things amusing.

9. I do not think that the world is a good place.

10. I laugh a lot.

11. I am well satisfied about everything in my life.

12. I don’t think I look attractive.

Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

14. I find beauty in some things.

15. I always have a cheerful effect on others.

16. I can fit in (find time for) everything I want to do.

17. I feel that I am not especially in control of my life.

18. I feel able to take anything on.

19. I often experience joy and elation.

20. I don’t find it easy to make decisions.

21. I don’t have a particular sense of meaning and purpose in my life.

22. I feel I have a great deal of energy.

23. I usually have a good influence on events.

24. I don’t have fun with other people.

25. I don’t feel particularly healthy.

26. I don’t have particularly happy memories of the past.

Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

Thank you for your time!

1. National Institute of Mental Health; website

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