[Gender differences in proneness to depression].
OBJECTIVE
Our research has been aimed at identifying the role the risk mechanisms described in Goodman and Gotlib's (1999) model (genetic-biological, interpersonal, social learning related cognitive and stress related factors) play in leading to an increased risk of depression in men and women.


METHODS
Genetic-biological factors were assessed with the help of certain temperament characteristics and interpersonal factors with parental educational purpose, educational attitudes, educational style and parental treatment. In the case of factors related to social learning, we looked at dysfunctional attitudes and attributional style. As far as the stressors are concerned, we observed the quality of family atmosphere and the number of the positive and negative life events of the preceding six months and their subjective evaluation. 681 students took part in the research (465 females and 216 males).


RESULTS
Results of our research have shown that all of the increased risk mechanisms, namely the genetic-biological, interpersonal, social learning related cognitive, and stress related factors are connected with the development of a susceptibility to depression, explaining 41.4% of the variance in depression symptoms in women, and 36.5% in men. Harm avoidance, a genetic-biological factor, proved to be the most significant risk mechanism, irrespective of sex. Among the environmental factors - irrespective of sex - a stress related factor, the subjective evaluation of negative life experiences, which implies an increased sensitivity to stress, proved to be the strongest risk mechanism. While the above factors played an important role in the development of a susceptibility to depression in both sexes, cognitive and interpersonal risk mechanisms related to the social learning differed in their degree in women and men. In women, the social learning related mechanisms proved to be stronger and higher impact risk factors than in men. The effect of interpersonal factors seemed to be relatively the weakest in the development of an increased risk of depression.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our research cannot be extrapolated to Hungarian youth aged 18-23 years due to the limitations of our sample.


CONCLUSIONS
A mental hygienic interpretation of our research findings suggests that in the future more emphasis should be put on the personality development of college and university students, especially on the development of such competences which help them in effectively in their struggle against depressive mood.
Margitics
Ferenc
F
Nyiregyhazi Foiskola, Pszichologiai Tanszek, Nyiregyhaza, Hungary. 4400 Nyiregyhaza, Deri Miksa u. 23. margif@zeus.nyf.hu
Pauwlik
Zsuzsa
Z
D000124:Achievement; D003071:Cognition; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005106:Exploratory Behavior; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary / Q000453:epidemiology; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007858:Learning; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D012201:Reward; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult