Modeling the Gender Difference in Depression: A Commentary on Cambron, Acitelli, and Pettit

In reviewing Cambron, Acitelli, and Pettit’s interpersonal contingent self-esteem model of the gender difference in depression, we applaud their domain-match vulnerability-stress approach as well as their specification of the processes mediating self-esteem and depression. However, we argue that models of the gender difference in depression must address five key points in order to provide compelling and meaningful explanations. Such models should: consider that vulnerability, stress, or vulnerability-stress interactions may vary across domains; articulate the processes by which stress-reactive negative affect develops into depressive symptoms; take a developmental approach; be sensitive to social and political implications; and provide clear hypotheses regarding the mediating and moderating mechanisms implicated in the model. These suggestions apply to all researchers interested in explaining the gender difference in depression.