Gender Differences in Perceived Happiness and Well-Being of Individuals Who Engage in Contemptuous Communication

Abstract

The present study investigated whether the relationship between contempt and mental health outcomes differed by gender. Participants (N = 214) completed measures of happiness, general well-being, and contempt expression. The findings indicate a contrast in mental health outcomes associated with contempt expression for males and females. Specifically, males who expressed high levels of contempt reported higher levels of happiness and general well-being than males who expressed low levels of contempt; whereas, females who expressed high levels of contempt reported lower levels of happiness than females who expressed low levels of contempt. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Contempt Expression
• Gender Differences
• Mental Health
• Negative Emotion

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John P. Crowley

John P. Crowley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Colorado State University.

Jacquelyn Harvey Knowles

Jacquelyn Harvey Knowles is a doctoral candidate at the University of Washington.