Research shows men and women cope differently with stress

Since prehistoric times when a tiger charged after a person, his body responded with ‘fight or flight’ hormones.  Two types of hormones are released in his body:  catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine or adrenalin) and steroid hormones which started streaming through his body as he prepared to defend himself or run, depending on the foe he was facing.  For many years researchers believed men and women deal with stress in the same way.

In the last five years, researchers such as Dr. Shelley E Taylor (UCLA) and her team recognize that women have developed a different response to stress.  They call this the ‘tend and befriend’ response. Since the beginning, females were often tending their children and could not run or fight.  In dangerous times, the women of a village would join together (befriend) to support each other and their children.   Researchers now recognize that the ‘tend and befriend’ response brings comfort to women as they deal with stress. Women are more likely to seek out their friends (and make new friends) when feeling stressed.  

Researchers believe the hormone oxytocin is (at least partially) responsible for the calming, relaxing response a woman gains from social ties (both men and women, but especially women).  Oxytocin is released in both male and female bodies, but researchers believe the male hormones minimize its effect on men during stressful times.  This enlightening information can be found at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/05/000522082151.htm

Ladies, now we understand why our friends bring us such joy and comfort:  it’s our ‘tend and befriend’ response.  We can enjoy times together with friends (as we cope with life stresses). Make time for your friends.