Life & Soul
Solutions Directory
Sign up for the weekly tips newsletter

Do Men Really Have Shorter Attention Spans?

Do Men Really Have Shorter Attention Spans?
Monica Buck
 Print  E-mail
 
Average Rating:  Unrated
Read Reviews of This Solution
Rate & Review This Solution
No. Women are just biologically wired to pay attention to different things than men are, says clinical psychologist Kathleen Nadeau. Researchers have found that male brains tend to be attracted to things that are analytical (sports scores) and visual (Heidi Klum), while female brains focus more on nonverbal and verbal communication (a stimulating conversation). That said, women deal with attention problems more frequently during their reproductive years because of hormone fluctuations. “New research shows that estrogen impacts brain chemistry and that it’s harder to concentrate when levels are low, like during a premenstrual week, perimenopause, and menopause,” says Nadeau. Pregnancy is more complicated: Estrogen levels are at their peak, so many women experience an increased ability to concentrate. But because pregnancy can also be a time of fatigue and stress, lots of women find it’s harder than ever to focus.
Related Solutions

Advertisement

Real Simple Weddings Guide

Get month-by-month checklists, inspiring photos, etiquette answers, and more

New Year, New You Sweepstakes

Start the year fresh with a makeover. Enter to win a trip to Los Angeles and $3,000 in spending money