BEHAVIORAL AND EMOTIONAL MANIFESTATIONS OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO STRESS

Abstract

The article examines behavioral and emotional manifestations of gender differences in psychophysiological responses to stress. The problem of stress occupies a central place in modern psychology and psychophysiology due to the growth of social, professional, and informational burdens. The psychophysiological response is considered as a complex response of the organism, including physiological, emotional, and behavioral components. Particular attention is paid to the study of gender differences in stress responses, as numerous studies indicate the heterogeneity of these responses in men and women. The role of neuroendocrine, autonomic, and sociocultural factors in the formation of gender-determined stress responses is analyzed. Women more often experience increased subjective tension, emotional sensitivity, and more active processes of emotional regulation, while men are dominated by physiological indicators of activation and a tendency to suppress emotions. Gender differences in strategic models of stress management have been identified: women use emotionally-oriented and socially-oriented strategies, while men use problem-oriented strategies. The use of a digital stress test (DST) confirmed differences in psychophysiological reactions by gender, manifested in changes in cardiovascular activity, electrodermal reactivity, and hormonal indicators, in particular cortisol levels. The results emphasize that gender differences in stress responses arise from the complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors, and that emotional regulation is a key mechanism mediating between stressful events and behavioral manifestations. The data obtained are of great practical importance for psychological diagnosis, prevention of stress-related disorders, and development of individualized psychocorrection and psychotherapy programs that take gender characteristics into account.