Male-Female Differences

Researchers showed a group of participants pictures that were designed to elicit the emotion of anger. Females typically were unaware of their anger, identifying it as sadness. As mentioned earlier this may be a socialized response to avoid coming across as “angry and unfeminine.” Males recognized their anger, perhaps due to socialization that anger is masculine and acceptable.

When shown pictures designed to elicit the emotion of sadness, opposite findings emerged. Females were aware of their sadness. Males, however, did not recognize their sadness, identifying it as anger. Again perhaps due to socialization that sadness is not masculine.

Since these differences appear to be socialized beginning in early childhood, there are some frightening and potential negative outcomes that may occur in adulthood, especially for relationship harmony and satisfaction.