Stress caused by gender inequality is damaging women’s brains, study finds

Exclusive: Results suggest a connection between gender inequality and higher risk of mental health problems, lead author warns

The study examined more than 7,800 MRI scans from men and women across 29 countries (AFP via Getty Images)

Stress caused by gender inequality is harming women’s brains, a first-of-its-kind study has suggested.

Researchers at more than 70 institutions discovered the outer thickness of the right part of women’s brains was slimmer than men's in countries with worse gender inequality but there was no substantial difference in nations with greater gender equality.

The study, which examined more than 7,800 MRI scans from individuals across 29 countries, noted the parts of the brain impacted are especially linked with stress and emotions.