A practice renowned for reducing stress and combating depression, meditation may not yield equal benefits for everyone. A groundbreaking study from Brown University—the first to examine gender differences—reveals that women experience significant mood improvements, while men may see a decline.
Researchers analyzed 36 women and 41 men, university students who participated in 12-week courses featuring one-hour “meditation laboratories.” They measured awareness and self-empathy levels before and after. After three months, women's mood improved by 11.6%, compared to a 3.7% decrease for men. The core meditation technique—focusing on the present moment—appeared to exacerbate challenges for some men.
These findings align with gendered approaches to emotions. Willoughby Britton, a Brown University professor of psychiatry and human behavior expert, told Futurity: “Stereotypically, women ‘ruminate’ on emotions when men turn away from them. … Thus, people who are inclined to confront difficulty are helped by meditation. For others who avoid facing difficulty in general, suddenly focusing on their obstacles can be counterproductive.”
Britton notes that embracing emotions benefits everyone, but cultural norms shape responses differently by gender. Results vary individually—not all men or women react the same. Still, encouraging men to engage comfortably with emotions could enhance meditation's value for them.
Food for thought, gentlemen?
