Relational self-regulation: Gender differences in risk for dysphoria

Examined gender differences in the level and psychological significance of discrepancy with own ideal standards (ISs) vs ideal standards held by parents and close others. 190 undergraduates completed the Selves Questionnaire, an interpersonal contingency beliefs measure, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Women showed higher levels of discrepancy with their own ISs than with the inferred ISs of parents and close others, suggesting that women may seek congruency with others' hopes and wishes at the price of failing to attain their own aspirations. Men showed equal levels of discrepancy with their own and significant-other ISs. Discrepancy with own ISs was associated with increased dysphoria in both men and women, but discrepancy with others' ISs was associated with significantly elevated levels of dysphoria only in women. Beliefs that failing to meet others' standards would result in abandonment and rejection contributed independently from discrepancy in predicting dysphoria. The findings suggest that the tendency to modulate affect, self-esteem and behavior from a relational perspective may increase risk for psychological distress. Women may be more likely to adopt this regulatory style as a function of their socialization experiences.