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Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 18, No. 7, 962-973 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732308319825

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Gendered Portraits of Depression in Swedish Newspapers

Carita Bengs

Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

Eva Johansson

Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

Ulla Danielsson

Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

Arja Lehti

Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

Anne Hammarström

Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

Mass media are influential mediators of information, knowledge, and narratives of health and illness. In this article, we report on an examination of personal accounts of illness as presented in three Swedish newspapers, focusing on the gendered representation of laypersons' experiences of depression. A database search identified all articles mentioning depression during the year 2002. Twenty six articles focusing on personal experiences of depression were then subjected to a qualitative content analysis. We identified four themes: displaying a successful facade, experiencing a cracking facade, losing and regaining control, and explaining the illness. We found both similarities and differences with regard to gendered experiences. The mediated accounts of depression both upheld and challenged traditional gender stereotypes. The women's stories were more detailed, relational, emotionally oriented, and embodied. The portrayal of men was less emotional and expressive, and described a more dramatic onset of depression, reflecting hegemonic patterns of masculinity.

Key Words: depression • experiences • gender • illness and disease • media


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