Soulmate Gem
Photo by cottonbro studio Pexels Logo Photo: cottonbro studio

Why are females happier than males?

Studies have found in particular that women express more pro-social emotions — such as gratitude — which has been linked to greater happiness. This supports the theory that women's happiness is more dependent on relationships than men's.

What is lucky Jupiter?
What is lucky Jupiter?

Jupiter is the planet of luck, expansion, growth and fulfillment in Astrology. It always brings blessings when it activates important natal planets...

Read More »
What are the chances you've met your soulmate?
What are the chances you've met your soulmate?

Given half a billion potential soul mates, your chance of finding your true love is one in 10,000. Monroe speculates on the consequences of such a...

Read More »

Who’s happier, men or women? Research shows it’s a complicated question and that asking whether males or females are happier isn’t really that helpful, because essentially, happiness is different for women and men. Women’s happiness has been declining for the past 30 years, according to recent statistics. And research shows that women are twice as likely to experience depression compared with men. Gender differences in depression are well established, and studies have found that biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to the disparity. But research also shows that women are more likely to experience intense positive emotions — such as joy and happiness — compared to men. So it seems that women’s more intense positive emotions balance out their higher risk of depression. Research also shows women are more likely to try and get help and access treatment — allowing them to also recover sooner. See also: To Land a Job, Women Need to Be Much Better Networkers Than Men, Study Says Early studies on gender and happiness found men and women were socialized to express different emotions. Women are more likely to express happiness, warmth, and fear, which helps with social bonding and appears more consistent with the traditional role as primary caregiver, whereas men display more anger, pride, and contempt, which are more consistent with a protector and provider role.

Brain Research

Recent research suggests that these differences are not just social, but also in the brain. In numerous studies, females score higher than males in standard tests of emotion recognition, social sensitivity, and empathy. Neuroimaging studies have investigated these findings further and discovered that females utilize more areas of the brain containing mirror neurons than males when they process emotions. Mirror neurons allow us to experience the world from other people’s perspective, to understand their actions and intentions. This may explain why women can experience deeper sadness. Psychologically, it seems men and women differ in the way they process and express emotions. With the exception of anger, women experience emotions more intensely and share their emotions more openly with others. Studies have found in particular that women express more pro-social emotions — such as gratitude — which has been linked to greater happiness. This supports the theory that women’s happiness is more dependent on relationships than men’s.

The Anger Issue

However, within these studies lies a significant blind spot, which is that women often do feel anger as intensely as men, but do not express it openly as it is not viewed as socially acceptable. When men feel angry they are more likely to vocalize it and direct it at others, whereas women are more likely to internalize and direct the anger at themselves. Women ruminate rather than speak out. And this is where women’s vulnerability to stress and depression lies.

How does soul leave the body?
How does soul leave the body?

“Good and contented souls” are instructed “to depart to the mercy of God.” They leave the body, “flowing as easily as a drop from a waterskin”; are...

Read More »
How do you know if you are naturally pretty?
How do you know if you are naturally pretty?

Here are 12 traits that make a person naturally beautiful: Big eyes. Clear skin without blemishes. Beautiful without makeup. An attractive voice....

Read More »

Studies show that men have greater problem solving abilities and cognitive flexibility which can contribute to greater resilience and positive mood. Women’s reactivity to stress makes it harder for them to challenge their thinking at times and this can exasperate symptoms of low mood.

See also: Why Women Store Fat in Different Places Than Men

Putting Others First

This inequality of happiness means that it is harder for women to maintain a happy state when faced with social expectations and constraints. Research into stress shows that women are more physically reactive to social rejection compared with men, for example. This means they are more likely to prioritize the needs of others over their own — and over time this can lead to resentment and feeling unfulfilled. Females in general prioritize doing the right thing over being happy, whereas men are better at the pursuit of pleasure and hedonism. Studies have also found that women tend to act more ethically than men and are more likely to suffer feelings of shame if they are not seen to be doing “the right thing.” But female morality also leads them to engage in more fulfilling and impactful work. And this ultimately brings them greater joy, peace, and contentment.

Women and men express and experience emotions differently. Unsplash

As you can see, it’s a complicated picture. Yes, women are more sensitive to stress, and more vulnerable to depression and trauma, but they are also incredibly resilient and significantly more capable of post-traumatic growth compared with men. Studies show that this is due to their sociability and ability to connect at a deeper level with others, both male and female. It’s also important to recognize that despite these differences, the benefits of happiness are far-reaching for both women and men. And that research shows happiness is not merely the function of individual experience but ripples through social networks. Happiness is infectious and contagious — and it has a positive impact on the health and well-being of everyone. This article was originally published on The Conversation by Lowri Dowthwaite. Read the original article here.

What are the 5 soul mates?
What are the 5 soul mates?

These are friend soulmate, teacher soulmate, karmic soulmate, twin flame and past life soulmate. Read on to know about these five types of...

Read More »
What to say before spreading ashes?
What to say before spreading ashes?

Here are some notable quotes that you can mention during the scattering of ashes: “To us, the ashes of our ancestors are sacred. ... “Lives are...

Read More »
What type of art sells in 2022?
What type of art sells in 2022?

The Ten Art Trends to Look Out For in 2022 Are: Virtual Art Events. The trend for virtual art has seen an exponential boost from the Covid-19...

Read More »
Do soulmates always date?
Do soulmates always date?

That being said, soulmates do not always end up together. Some soulmates may even be just friends with a particularly strong bond. We may all dream...

Read More »