Do women respond differently to stress than men?

Shelly C. Taylor, a recognized psychologist and researcher at UCLA, investigated  women’responses to stress and how those responses may be different from the accepted “fight or flight” theory I discussed in an earlier article.  The results from Taylor’s study demonstrated that the neuropeptide called oxytocin, (which also plays a roll in sexual arousal, monogamous bonding, childbirth, maternal bonding to the newborn, among other primarily female responses) also plays a role in the stress response.  Taylor provides support for identifying oxytocin as a ‘social thermostat.’  As a social thermostat, oxytocin informs the brain on whether social resources are adequate to deal with stressful events.  Based on the study, Taylor suggests that oxytocin then, may be a biological marker, with higher levels of oxytocin indicating inadequate or depleted social connection and support.  If you want to read and learn more about your own stress style and how to uniquely and proactively manage your stress response, I highly recommend the book “So Stressed,” by Stephanie McClellan, M.D. and Beth Hamilton, M.D. (ISBN #9781416593584)  They present an excellent guide to stress, how stress uniquely effects women, four types of stress profiles, and what women can do to uniquely and proactively  counter stress and become psychologically and physiologically healthier. So then, do women respond differently to stress than men?  Yes, there are definite differences, one of them, based on Taylor’s work is to tend and befriend, reaching out to others and seeking support when it is needed.