Health and Wellness

This chapter presents the impact of gender on physical and mental wellness. Demographic information regarding the unique impact of gender on physical health will begin the chapter, first by distinguishing the differential impact of sex (biological basis) and gender (socially constructed basis) on such illnesses/medical conditions as cardiovascular risk, osteoporosis, arthritis, and addictions. Mental health impacts reflect differential rates of some psychological illnesses, such as depression, the gender paradox in suicidal risk (more women think about and attempt suicide whereas more men complete), as well as the differential risk for stress-related illnesses. Gender-oriented impacts on health for men focus on their relatively higher mortality rates that persist throughout the lifespan, gender-based beliefs and norms that may lead to or exacerbate these higher rates, and the need to facilitate health-promoting behaviors. Unique health stressors and management strategies for men and women of color are also presented.