Navigating Gender Disparities in Health: Unveiling the Tapestry of Male-Female Health

Differences

Course: PSYC 1111-01 Introduction to Health Psychology

Institution: University of the People
Instructor: Robert King
Date: 2 January 2024
Introduction

Health psychology immerses itself in the intricate dance between psychological factors and
health outcomes, acknowledging the profound influence of gender disparities on illness
expressions and overall well-being. Amidst the distinct health challenges faced by both males
and females, a palpable gap emerges, with females, on average, surpassing males in life
expectancy. This essay delves into potential explanations for these differences, drawing insights
from the textbook and supplementary sources (Ogden, 2019).

1. Biological Factors:
One compelling narrative springs from the inherent biological distinctions woven into the fabric
of males and females. Hormonal intricacies, especially the shield of estrogen, stand out as a
pivotal contributor to females' extended life expectancy (Ogden, 2019). Esteemed for its
cardioprotective prowess, estrogen orchestrates over cholesterol levels and vascular health,
acting as a bulwark against cardiovascular diseases (Manson et al., 2017). This dovetails
seamlessly with epidemiological data highlighting a heightened prevalence of heart disease
among males, etching gender-based health divergences into the narrative (Ogden, 2019).

2. Health-Related Behaviors:
The shaping of overall well-being hinges on health behaviors, where gender nuances in behavior
patterns become protagonists in divergent health outcomes. Females, on average, take center
stage with heightened health consciousness, marked by increased healthcare utilization,
adherence to medical advice, and active engagement in preventive measures such as regular
health check-ups (Ogden, 2019). These health-seeking propensities, pivotal for early detection
and intervention, stand as guardians mitigating the impact of illnesses and amplifying overall
health outcomes.

3. Psychosocial Factors:
The symphony of psychological and social determinants contributes substantially to gender-
based health differences. Societal expectations and gender roles choreograph coping mechanisms
and stress responses, nudging males toward stoicism and vulnerability concealment (Ogden,
2019). This ingrained behavior might sow the seeds of delayed help-seeking behaviors, impeding
effective coping with mental health challenges. The nuanced dance of psychological factors adds
layers of complexity to comprehending gender-based health disparities (Springer, Hankivsky, &
Bates, 2012).

4. Genetic and Evolutionary Factors:

Peering through the lenses of genetics and evolution unveils insights into the observed health
outcomes variance between the sexes. Evolutionary theories posit that physiological disparities
are products of natural selection, with females evolving to prioritize reproductive success and
longevity (Trumble et al., 2017). From a genetic vantage point, sex-specific genes and
chromosomal variations may tilt the susceptibility scales towards certain diseases, etching the
script for gender-specific health disparities (Ogden, 2019).
Identifying the Most Likely Explanation

Within this web of explanations, a fusion of biological and health-related behaviors emerges as
the probable key to unraveling the longevity disparities between males and females. The shield
of estrogen, orchestrating vascular health and diminishing cardiovascular risks, harmonizes with
the trend of females outlasting males (Manson et al., 2017; Ogden, 2019). The additional layer of
females' health-conscious behaviors fortifying early detection and intervention serves as the
brushstroke completing this canvas, enhancing overall life expectancy (Ogden, 2019).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the gender disparities in health outcomes form a complex tapestry woven from
biological, behavioral, psychosocial, and genetic threads. Acknowledging these multifaceted
influences is pivotal for crafting interventions and healthcare strategies attuned to the distinct
health needs of both genders. As our understanding of these disparities advances, so too should
our endeavors to foster equitable healthcare, thereby enhancing the collective well-being of all
individuals.

References:

Manson, J. E., Bassuk, S. S., & Lehmann, E. B. (2017). Hormone replacement therapy and
coronary heart disease: A quantitative assessment of the epidemiologic evidence. National
Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17646204/

Ogden, J. (2019). Health Psychology: A Textbook. Universitas Pancasila. Retrieved from

https://perpus.univpancasila.ac.id/repository/EBUPT190392.pdf

Springer, K. W., Hankivsky, O., & Bates, L. M. (2012). Gender and health: Relational,
intersectional, and biosocial approaches. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22497844/

Trumble, B. C., Stieglitz, J., Blackwell, A. D., Allayee, H., Beheim, B., Finch, C. E., ... &
Kaplan, H. (2017). Apolipoprotein E4 is associated with improved cognitive function in
Amazonian forager-horticulturalists with a high parasite burden. National Institutes of Health.
Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28031319/