Combined research shows that men and women vary little in the experience of emotions but contrast greatly in the expression of emotions. Psychologists have studied the reasons behind these differences over the years and there are still many unanswered questions, but there are several possible causes and well-accepted combinations of causes. Neuroscience and brain structure are the first area of proven differences. Medical researchers have long been aware that male and female brains are different sizes. In 2001, Harvard researchers discovered that some parts of the brain were different sizes in males and females; this may answer some questions about the difference in male and female brains regarding development and emotions. The researchers found that parts of the frontal lobe, responsible for problem solving and decision making, and the limbic cortex, responsible for regulating emotions, were larger in women (Hoag, 2008). In men, the parietal cortex, involved in space perception, and the amygdala, which regulates sexual and social behavior, were larger (Hoag, 2008). The limbic portion of the female brain is much larger than that of the male brain. This part of the brain regulates emotions. It allows a woman to create easier bonds, to be more aware of her feelings and to express them easily; however, with that also comes the amplified possibility of depression. These episodes are more frequent during hormonal changes. It is documented that women are up to three times more likely to attempt suicide, but not as likely to succeed in their attempts than men. This is believed to be due to the fact that women usually choose less aggressive methods than men. Women are more likely to attempt… middle of the paper… references. Shifting biological factors due to advances in medical research and natural mutations also support the difficulty of resolving answers as to exactly why these differences exist. It seems like a real possibility that we may live forever in an abyss when it comes to clarifying the science regarding gender differences in emotions. Works Cited Briffault, R. (n.d.). Citation.Cahill, L. (2005, June). His brain, his brain. Scientific American .Andy Griffith Show (1950). [Moving image].Hoag, H. (2008, July 19). Sex in the brain. New Scientist .princess-ami. (n.d.). Male/female brain differences. Retrieved from Medical Education on Line: http://www.medicaleducationonline.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46&Itemid=69Wade, C. a. (2008). Psychology (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.
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