The Power of Structural Support: State Gender Equality Predicts Lower Depression and Buffers the Effects of Sexism

We used multilevel modeling to examine effects of state-level gender equality and individual sexism on depressive symptoms. In 539 U.S. adults, higher gender equality predicted lower depression symptoms. Sexism was associated with higher depression symptoms in low-equality states but lower symptoms in high-equality states, suggesting potential buffering effects of equality.