Social Factors Affecting the Mental Health of Women Compared to Men

The objective of this study was to identify social factors that affect the mental health of women and men, with gender being one of the distinguishing factors of human health. To achieve this, the study utilized the opinions of Anandal (2013), the theory of Moss (2002), and the theory of Arber and Thomas (2001). The research followed a quantitative approach and was conducted using a survey method. A sample of 600 married men and women aged 20-60 living in Kerman city was selected using quota sampling. The results of the study indicated that men had significantly higher average scores for mental health (23.5) than women (20.6). The average score for "inequality in benefiting from resources and opportunities" was higher for women (73.6) than for men (54.8). In terms of health vulnerability, men had a score of 43 and women had a score of 46, suggesting that women experience weaker mental health, less benefit from resources and opportunities, and a higher degree of health vulnerability compared to men. Statistical analysis showed that "inequality in benefiting from resources and opportunities" with a coefficient of -0.16 and "vulnerability in health" with a coefficient of -0.24 had significant and negative effects on women's mental health. Gender inequalities have a negative impact on women's mental health, both directly and through increased vulnerability to poor health. The findings underscore the need to pay attention to the social conditions in which women live when analyzing their mental health and highlight differences in the social factors that affect the mental health of men and women. ‌ Keywords Gender Difference, Mental Health, Inequality in the Use of Resources and Opportunities, Vulnerability in Health. ‌ ‌Introduction Mental health is an essential component of human health with significant impact on overall well-being. It is shaped by personal characteristics as well as social context, thus making the gender factor, with its cultural, economic, and social implications, a crucial determinant of individuals' mental health. Gender is defined by the distinct identity, roles, expectations, and rights assigned to women and men, and along with their biological differences, creates overarching differences in their individual and social lives. Hence, this research aims to measure gender-based distinctions in mental health in both men and women, and subsequently identify the factors that influence it. This study is necessary in Iran due to the drastic cha