Article

Two areas of research in which sex differences are pervasive are relationships and health. In terms of relationships, women are more likely than men to perceive that support is available from network members (Barry, Madsen, Nelson, Carroll, & Badger, 2009; Kendler, Myers, & Prescott, 2005) and are more likely than men to have someone available to talk to when they are distressed (Matthews, Manor, & Power, 1999). These findings generalize across many cultures (Okamoto & Tanaka, 2004). In terms of health, males have higher rates of mortality than females at every age, but females have higher rates of morbidity compared to males (Case & Paxson, 2005). These findings also extend across many cultures. Many of these sex differences in relationships and health first appear during adolescence. Starting in middle school, girls report that their friendships are closer and more satisfy