The chapter by Susan Nolen-Hoeksema explores the gender differences in depression, highlighting that women are twice as likely as men to experience depression across various stages of life. While numerous explanations have been proposed, no single variable fully accounts for this disparity. Recent research focuses on gender differences in stress responses and exposure to stressors. Women are more vulnerable to specific traumas, such as sexual abuse, and chronic strains like poverty and harassment. These factors contribute to their higher rates of depression. Additionally, women may be more reactive to stress due to biological responses, negative self-concepts, and coping styles. The chapter discusses how stressful experiences and reactivity to stress can interact, leading to a cycle of increased vulnerability to depression. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding these interactions for improving mental health outcomes and advancing the field of psychopathology.The chapter by Susan Nolen-Hoeksema explores the gender differences in depression, highlighting that women are twice as likely as men to experience depression across various stages of life. While numerous explanations have been proposed, no single variable fully accounts for this disparity. Recent research focuses on gender differences in stress responses and exposure to stressors. Women are more vulnerable to specific traumas, such as sexual abuse, and chronic strains like poverty and harassment. These factors contribute to their higher rates of depression. Additionally, women may be more reactive to stress due to biological responses, negative self-concepts, and coping styles. The chapter discusses how stressful experiences and reactivity to stress can interact, leading to a cycle of increased vulnerability to depression. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding these interactions for improving mental health outcomes and advancing the field of psychopathology.