Gender Differences in Health Anxiety and Its Related Dysfunctional Beliefs: with Control of Age

The aim of the present study was the comparison of health anxiety (HA) and related dysfunctional beliefs between men and women, with control of age.. The sample consisted of 150 males and 150 females teachers of primary schools in Andimeshk City. The research method was causal- comparative and the variables were evaluated by the Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI), Cognitions about Body and Health (CABAH). To analyze the data MANOVA were used. The results of MANCOVA showed there is difference (p<0.018, F=5/6) between males and females on health anxiety. Women had higher score on HA compared to men. Differences between two genders were significant on beliefs relevant to Autonomic Sensations and Bodily Weakness. Mean of these subscales were significantly higher in men. No gender differences were observed in Intolerance of Bodily Complaints, Catastrophizing Interpretation of Bodily Complaints and Health Habits.Connclusion: Female are at higher risk for health anxiety, and female and male have different pattern of dysfunctional belief about health.