Gender Differences in Social Relationships and Mental Health Among Veterans Affairs Patients

ABSTRACT

This study explored gender differences in social relationships and associated symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 6,449 Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care patients referred for a behavioral health assessment. Patients provided demographic information, information on social relationships, and mental health symptoms. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between gender, social relationships, and symptoms, and to test moderation by gender. Women reported more social interaction and negative social exchanges than men. No gender differences were obtained in perceived social support. Social functioning difficulties were associated with greater symptom severity. Gender did not moderate the strength of these associations. Findings highlight gender differences in experiences of social relationships.

KEYWORDS:

• Social support
• positive social exchanges
• negative social exchanges
• depression
• PTSD
• mental health
• veterans
• gender
• women
• primary care