Sex, Gender, and Health: Impact on Mental Well-being

Sex and gender are two concepts often presented as equal, but they are not. Sex refers to the biological classification based on reproductive organs. Gender is based on psychological and social characteristics associated with being male or female. This article aims to explore the relationship between gender and health. Gender affects the approach to healthcare and the manifestation, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of diseases. We will discuss how gender can be a conditioning factor in health and how it affects mental health throughout the life cycle.

Cultural Influence on Gender and Health

Culture plays a very important role in the behaviors of men and women. Gender differences produce gender inequalities that empower one group to the detriment of the other. This leads to inequalities between men and women in health status and access to healthcare. For example, some women cannot receive needed healthcare because norms in their community prevent them from traveling alone to a clinic.

Gender Differences in Mental Health Across the Lifespan

Significant differences exist in the patterns and symptoms of mental health disorders throughout the life cycle:

• Childhood: Boys show a higher prevalence of conduct disorders with aggressive and antisocial behaviors.
• Adolescence: Girls are more prone to have a much higher prevalence of depression and depressive disorders.
• Adulthood: Both men and women suffer from depression and anxiety.
• Old Age: Even though there is a higher percentage of women living with Alzheimer's disease, incidence rates for Alzheimer's disease are reported to be the same for men and women. Regarding gender and aging, the basic diseases which afflict older men and women are the same: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. However, trends and rates differ in specific types of diseases.

Pseudopsychology: Unfounded Systems Resembling Psychology

Pseudopsychologies are unfounded systems that resemble psychology. They give the appearance of a science but are actually false. Followers often look for evidence that seems to confirm their beliefs and avoid evidence that contradicts them. This essay will discuss types of pseudopsychologies and offer some critical views on these "sciences."

Popular Pseudopsychologies

There are four popular pseudopsychologies:

• Phrenology: Popularized in the 19th century by Franz Gall, phrenology claimed that personality traits are revealed by the shape of the skull.
• Palmistry: Originating in the Far East, palmistry claims that the lines of the hand reveal personality traits and predict the future.
• Graphology: Graphology claims that personality traits are revealed by handwriting, by analyzing the size of the handwriting and the spacing between the lines.
• Astrology: Astrology suggests that the position of the stars and planets at the time of your birth determines personality traits and affects behavior. Astrology has been shown to have no scientific validity.

Uncritical Acceptance of Pseudopsychology

Several theories try to explain why people believe in pseudopsychology. Horoscopes are based on the tendency to believe in positive descriptions of oneself. When personality is described in desirable terms, it is hard to deny. Apparent accuracy is an illusion based on this fallacy: we remember the things that confirm our expectations and forget the rest. The Barnum effect is a tendency to consider personal descriptions accurate if they are described in general terms. Horoscopes, palm readings, and other forms of pseudopsychology are often conveyed in such general terms.

Conclusion

Science will continue to try to disprove these theories. However, those who already believe in them will likely continue to confirm their beliefs, regardless of what science says.