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Family Perspectives

Abstract

This literature review investigates the relationship between marital conflict and male depression, focusing on emotional withdrawal and spousal hostility as key contributing factors. Male depression, often underreported due to differences in symptom expression such as anger and irritability, is explored in the context of marital dynamics. Emotional withdrawal, characterized by avoidance behaviors during conflict, is particularly prevalent among men and linked to rigid gender role perceptions. This behavior correlates with increased depressive symptoms and reduced well-being. Additionally, spousal hostility, including verbal aggression and criticism, exacerbates male depression through both the perception of aggression from a partner and self-awareness of hostile actions. The interplay between emotional withdrawal and hostility creates a cycle of conflict that intensifies depressive symptoms over time. The findings emphasize the need for interventions targeting maladaptive conflict resolution styles and aggressive behaviors to mitigate depression risks in husbands. Limitations include the predominance of younger male cohorts in existing studies and smaller male sample sizes, highlighting the need for broader research to understand these dynamics across diverse populations.

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