Gender and Mental Health: Challenges Faced by Women and a Feminist Perspective

Mental health issues affect millions of people worldwide, leading to negative outcomes in various areas such as academic achievement, job performance, and quality of life. Women are known to be more prone to mental health problems than men, a phenomenon explained by biological sensitivity, genetic and hormonal differences, physiological stress responses, and exposure to environmental risk factors. However, research examining the impact of gender roles on mental health remains limited. Gender roles shape individuals' thought patterns, self-esteem, and emotion regulation strategies, making them significant factors that can influence mental health. In this context, the study aims to explore the effects of gender norms on mental health from a feminist perspective and evaluate the role of gender-based antecedents in this process through a review of the current literature. The study findings reveal that traditional gender roles negatively affect women’s mental health, while approaches promoting equality yield positive outcomes. Enhancing women’s access to education and economic independence is a crucial step toward reducing gender-based inequalities. Additionally, implementing gender equality policies and increasing inclusive representations in the media can mitigate the adverse effects on mental health. Education, awareness campaigns, and supportive social policies have the potential to reduce the impact of gender roles and improve individuals’ mental health. This study aims to guide effective mental health policies and targeted interventions.