Psychology concepts and applications

Emotional Expression and Gender Influence

There has been increasing amount of research devoted to discerning the role of gender and its influence in the emotional response to a particular situation. These researches have added weight to the presumption that the structural differences of the cerebral cortex has a substantial influence in triggering emotional responses and the differing reactions in men and women to an external stimuli. Let us have a brief outlook of the psychological and biological effects that contribute to the differing emotional responses (in men and women) and the scientific explanation for the same.

The Brain

Studies of the brain structure (neuroanotomy) have indicated a basic structural difference of the brain in men and women. We are now aware that boys tend to have a highly developed right brain whereas girls have a well-developed left brain. This notion explains the unique mental aptitude exhibited by men and women. Generally men tend to fair well in science and math's, subjects that require spatial visualization, while women are well-known for their verbal ability. (Which involves the left side of their brain).[1]. Though these findings are not applicable in each and every case they reflect the general outcome of researches conducted on a large scale. Along with this biological bias there is also a psychological factor involved in the cognitive function. This has been attested and documented by many scientists. "There is a considerable agreement that, beginning in second grade and persisting through the 12th grade, children perceive social - verbal and artistic skills as feminine, whereas spatial, mechanical and athletic skills are viewed as masculine" [1]. There is also a view that that the predominant and confined role of woman as family caretakers has significantly contributed to their lack of creative thinking and increased emotional display. "The passive conformism that traditionally has been demanded of girls is not beneficial to the development of a questioning, creative attitude. Some women are still 'imprisoned ' in the role of the responsible agent for care taking and home activities, which may not give room for the time and concentration that the creative process demand." [Birren E. James]. Finally the unique chemical hormones of male and females only intensify this division in cognitive response.

The sociological pressure (emotion and its expression)

Having understood a clear and marked distinction in the working pattern or the cognitive response of the two sexes let us now see the how the need for conformity to established norms ("The Masculine Mask") has contributed to inhibition of emotional responses in men. Men tend to be embarrassed at the very thought of an emotional breakdown. They are taught to project a tough personality and to wear "the Masculine mask" which really hinders them from exhibiting their emotions. [2]This is in contrast to women who are prone to frequent expression of emotions. The researchers of university of Florida, making use of computer technology found out that there is not any real difference in the emotional nature between the sexes but the actual difference lies in the manner in which it is expressed. For example it was found that in men emotional responses were restricted to the lower left quadrant of their face as against women who tend to be expressive along their entire countenance. [3].

So we see that women tend to be more expressive of their emotions rather than being more emotional then men. Women tend to develop better relationships attributed mainly to their interpersonal cognitive complexity. [4] This fact is also ratified by research conducted by Vanderbilt University. In their research the subjects were made to watch a very emotional film and cameras placed secretively monitored their facial expression. Electrodes were attached to their palms to measure their skin conductance (to measure sweating). Women are also different when it comes to handling stress. Their biological disposition (release of Oxytocin, a calming hormone) makes them react in a different way to stress.[5].