Expression of emotions, life satisfaction in men examining the relationship between depression

Being male in terms of gender is considered to be a fundamental factor that increases the risk of encountering mental health problems. Gender roles and norms make it difficult for men to express their feelings openly. This study aims to examine in detail the relationship between men's emotional expression, life satisfaction and depression. This study contributes to the literature by examining the risk factors for depression in men. The research was applied to 314 adult male participants living in Istanbul, Turkey. However, the questionnaires filled out incorrectly by 13 participants were not taken into consideration. The results were examined on 301 participants. It included 301 adult male participants in Istanbul, Turkey, using a 15-item emotion expression scale, a 5-item life satisfaction scale, and the 21-item Beck depression scale. Findings revealed a weak negative relationship between emotional expression and depression, and a moderate negative relationship between life satisfaction and depression. Higher life satisfaction was observed in men with higher education, those married or in romantic relationships, employers, and those in higher income groups. A weak positive relationship was also found between emotional expression and life satisfaction. The research sample is limited to men in Istanbul. Additionally, research using cross-sectional design is insufficient to monitor individual changes over time. Repeating the same study using a longitudinal design in the future may provide an in-depth understanding of the changes over time and the reasons for these changes.