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Essay / Gender Differences in Emotional Expression
Combined research shows that men and women vary little in the experience of emotions, but contrast greatly in the expression of their emotions. Psychologists have studied the reasons for these differences over the years and there are still many unanswered questions, but there are several possible causes and well-accepted combinations of causes. Neuroscience and brain composition constitute the first area of proven differences. Medical researchers have long known that male and female brains are different sizes. In 2001, Harvard researchers discovered that parts of the brain were different sizes in men and women; This may answer some of the questions about the difference between the male and female brain when it comes to development and emotions. Researchers found that parts of the frontal lobe, responsible for problem solving and decision-making, and the limbic cortex, responsible for emotion regulation, were larger in women (Hoag, 2008). In men, the parietal cortex, involved in spatial perception, and the amygdala, which regulates sexual and social behavior, were larger (Hoag, 2008). The limbic part of the female brain is much larger than that of the male brain. This part of the brain regulates emotions. This allows a woman to bond more easily, be more aware of her feelings and express them with ease; however, this also comes with an amplified possibility of depression. These episodes are more common during hormonal changes. Women are shown to be up to three times more likely to attempt suicide, but not as likely to succeed as men. This is thought to be because women generally choose less aggressive methods than men. Women are more likely to attempt...... references middle of paper. The evolution of biological factors due to advances in medical research and natural mutations also highlights the difficulty in resolving answers as to exactly why these differences exist. It seems possible that we will forever live in an abyss when it comes to demanding science regarding gender differences in emotions. Works cited Briffault, R. (nd). Citation. Cahill, L. (June 2005). His brain, his brain. Scientific American. Andy Griffith Show (1950). [Film].Hoag, H. (July 19, 2008). Sex in the brain. New scientist .princess-friend. (nd). Brain differences between men and women. 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.