Date of Award
Summer 2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Research Psychology (MS)
Department
Psychology
Supervisor
Dr. Amy Mezulis
Second Reader
Dr. Bethany Hoff
Keywords
CES-D, depressive symptoms, subscales, factors, sex difference
Abstract
The sex difference in depression is a well-established and replicated clinical finding, with previous literature indicating that females report more depression than males. However, recent theory and research suggests the sex gap in depressive symptoms may have declined or been eliminated in recent years. The current study examined depressive symptoms among a current (2017-2021) cohort of 1377 undergraduates (18-29 years; M=19.80, 79% female) using the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). I hypothesized that the current sex difference in depressive symptoms would be small or nonsignificant. Results indicated that although males reported more anhedonia (t = 2.65, d = 0.20, p = 0.008) and suicidal ideation (t = 2.63, d = 0.20, p = 0.008), there were no significant sex difference in total depression scores, nor did females report more symptoms on any other subscales. These results are clinically significant as they suggest the previously well-established sex gap in depressive symptoms may be less evident among a current cohort of young adults.
Recommended Citation
Seminario, Penelope E., "The sex difference in depressive symptoms among college students" (2022). Research Psychology Theses. 1.
https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/rpsy_etd/1