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March 21, 2024
A recent study conducted by researchers at King’s College London sheds light on the detrimental effects of perceived gender discrimination on the mental wellbeing of middle-aged and older women. Published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on March 20, 2024, the study underscores the enduring impact of gender-based discrimination on mental health and wellbeing.
Led by Ruth Hackett and her team, the study analyzed data from over 3,000 middle-aged and older women living in England, enrolled in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Participants were asked about their encounters with discriminatory situations and whether they attributed these experiences to their gender. They also completed questionnaires assessing mental wellbeing at two points in time, approximately six years apart.
The findings revealed that 9.2 percent of the women reported perceived gender discrimination, most commonly in situations where they felt they were treated with less respect or courtesy. Those who perceived gender discrimination reported more depressive symptoms, increased loneliness, and lower quality of life and life satisfaction compared to those who did not perceive discrimination.
Crucially, over the six-year period between assessments, women who reported perceived gender discrimination were more likely to experience declines in quality of life and life satisfaction, as well as increased loneliness. These associations persisted even after accounting for other factors such as age, wealth, and physical activity.
The study’s results highlight the enduring impact of gender-based discrimination on mental wellbeing among middle-aged and older women. The researchers emphasize the need for increased efforts to address gender discrimination and its consequences. They also call for further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this link and to address the study’s limitations, including its lack of non-white participants.
In a statement, the authors expressed their concern regarding the findings, noting that the enduring impact of gender-based discrimination on mental health is particularly worrisome. They underscored the importance of addressing systemic sexism and discrimination to improve the mental wellbeing and overall quality of life of women as they age.
As awareness of the detrimental effects of gender discrimination grows, efforts to promote gender equality and combat discrimination become increasingly imperative. The study serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women in society and the need for continued advocacy and action to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all.
