Watching graphic images and disturbing content on TV affect men and women differently, according to findings recently published in the journal Anxiety, Stress & Coping.
In the study (subscription required), researchers at the University of Haifa in Israel showed a group of men and women television news clips about terrorist attacks that took place over the past few years and that resulted in serious casualties. Another group, serving as the control, were shown news coverage of regular, everyday events. Medical News Today reports:
The results of this study show that the women who viewed terrorism coverage testified to higher levels of feeling threatened and lower levels of psychological resources compared to the men who viewed the same news reports. These gender differences were not found amongst the control groups. The study has also found that the feeling of being threatened and loss of resources has an effect on the senses and lead to a higher level of negativity, such as hostility and moodiness.
Previously: Gender differences and mental health and Why are women more likely to need mental-health help?
