New paper published in Science Advances Journal: Two Paradoxes in Women's Well-Being

Edika Quispe-Torreblanca and colleagues - have a new paper being published in the Science Advances Journal titled "Two Paradoxes in Women's Well-Being".

Abstract

In this study, we review the literature on the gender gap in well-being, focusing on two key paradoxes. Women report higher life satisfaction and overall happiness than men, yet they experience worse mental health outcomes and greater negative affect. At the same time, despite substantial advances in women’s social and economic status over the past 50 years, their well-being relative to men has declined. We examine the evidence supporting these paradoxes and explore possible explanations, including differences in expectations, biology, and scale use. Using global data from 2006 to 2023, along with long-term trends from Europe and the U.S. dating back to the 1970s, we provide empirical illustrations. We observe substantial variation across countries, suggesting that the first paradox is not universal. However, one trend remains consistent: in terms of negative affect, levels of stress and sadness among women have increased over time across all world regions. These findings challenge widely held beliefs about women’s well-being and underscore the need for gender-sensitive policies to address these disparities.

Reference: Kaiser, C., Muggleton, N., Quispe-Torreblanca, E., & De Neve, J. E. (2025).

Two Paradoxes in Women’s Wellbeing. Science Advances.