Background According to studies, students are considered to be particularly vulnerable to depressive disorder. The results of various studies also indicate that depression in men is underdiagnosed. One of the main reasons for this is that the symptoms and risk factors of depression are not sufficiently considered. Current research suggests that gender role conflict is a potential risk factor for the occurrence of depressive disorders in men. Students in particular are affected to a greater extent by mental stress due to the specific pressures they face during their studies. Research question The present study aims to analyse the relationship between different dimensions of gender role conflict and the occurrence of depressive disorder in male students. Methods A multicentre study was conducted at the University of Cologne in the summer semester of 2022, in which 867 students took part. Depressive disorder was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and gender role conflict using the Gender Role Conflict Scale (GRCS-SF). Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the relationship between depressive symptom burden and different dimensions of gender role conflict, adjusted for age, intended degree, thoughts of dropping out, current psychotherapeutic treatment and mental health competence. Results A total of 80.6% of male students had a depressive disorder, with 48.4% suspected of having at least moderate major depression. Depressive symptom burden increased significantly for male students who were more restrictive with their emotions (t = 5.388, p < 0.001; B = 0.938; β = 0.213) and reported higher conflict between work and leisure (with particular regard to family aspects; t = 8.887, p < 0.001; B = 1.591; β = 0.332). Conclusion The present results confirm international studies and thus emphasise the need to focus more strongly on male students as a target group for the prevention of mental illness. Particular attention should be paid to coping with restrictive emotions and possible tensions between work and family commitments.

Der Zusammenhang zwischen Geschlechterrollenkonflikt und depressivem Syndrom bei männlichen Studierenden – Ergebnisse einer Online-Befragung an der Universität zu Köln

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2025年2月7日

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Celina Karger,
Rainer Weber,
Timo-Kolja Pförtner

摘要

Background

According to studies, students are considered to be particularly vulnerable to depressive disorder. The results of various studies also indicate that depression in men is underdiagnosed. One of the main reasons for this is that the symptoms and risk factors of depression are not sufficiently considered. Current research suggests that gender role conflict is a potential risk factor for the occurrence of depressive disorders in men. Students in particular are affected to a greater extent by mental stress due to the specific pressures they face during their studies.

Research question

The present study aims to analyse the relationship between different dimensions of gender role conflict and the occurrence of depressive disorder in male students.

Methods

A multicentre study was conducted at the University of Cologne in the summer semester of 2022, in which 867 students took part. Depressive disorder was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and gender role conflict using the Gender Role Conflict Scale (GRCS-SF). Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the relationship between depressive symptom burden and different dimensions of gender role conflict, adjusted for age, intended degree, thoughts of dropping out, current psychotherapeutic treatment and mental health competence.

Results

A total of 80.6% of male students had a depressive disorder, with 48.4% suspected of having at least moderate major depression. Depressive symptom burden increased significantly for male students who were more restrictive with their emotions (t = 5.388, p < 0.001; B = 0.938; β = 0.213) and reported higher conflict between work and leisure (with particular regard to family aspects; t = 8.887, p < 0.001; B = 1.591; β = 0.332).

Conclusion

The present results confirm international studies and thus emphasise the need to focus more strongly on male students as a target group for the prevention of mental illness. Particular attention should be paid to coping with restrictive emotions and possible tensions between work and family commitments.