Gender differences in depression: A theoretical examination of power

The authors propose a novel theoretical approach for conceptualizing gender differences in depression. Although the empirical literature documents an array of variables that are related to depression, most theories focus on microlevel variables at the expense of macrolevel variables in their conceptualization. This article focuses on the potential importance of power differentials in the etiology of depression in women who cohabit with men and presents an integrated theoretical model that will be useful for both practice and research.