A Comparison of Blogs by Depressed Men and Women

Abstract

This paper reports on a study comparing Internet blogs written by 45 men and 45 women who self-identified as depressed. Using qualitative and inductive methods, distinct differences among the male and female experiences of depression were documented. Among the most important differences were the distinctions male and female bloggers made in regards to (1) the bio-medicalization of depression; (2) the relative significance of world events as compared to relationships in depression experiences; and (3) violence, including suicide and cutting. Theoretical reasons and explanations for these findings are discussed.