Gender differences in beliefs of why women live longer than men

Psychol Rep. 1996 Oct;79(2):587-91. doi: 10.2466/pr0.1996.79.2.587.

Abstract

Research supports an interaction of biological and sociocultural factors to account for why women live longer than men. This study investigated whether men and women of college age have similar attributions for this difference in longevity. Responses to an open-ended questionnaire by 507 college aged students confirmed a significant gender difference in attribution of life expectancy. Young men attributed such differences to greater physical labor of men and the less stressful life of women. Young women, in contrast, thought women took better care of their health.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Female
  • Gender Identity*
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Longevity*
  • Male
  • Students / psychology