Beyond physical differences, many other distinctions stand out between women and men. Highlighting numerous differences such as crisis resolution styles, psychological demands in difficult situations, and variations in right and left brain usage, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, said, “Research shows that the male brain is 14 grams heavier, but the region that facilitates communication between the two hemispheres is larger in women. In terms of communication, this indicates that men use 2,000 words a day, while women use an average of 7,000 words, demonstrating differences in word production and speaking skills.”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan evaluated the differences in thought and creation between women and men and shared important advice for a healthy marital relationship.
Biological and Psychological Differences Exist
Stating that the physical differences between women and men are known by everyone, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, “Their biological characteristics, height, weight, and even body odor are different. The body's mechanism is different, but there are also psychological differences related to the brain's operating system. The right brain, which is associated with emotions, excitement, music, and art, predominantly works in women. The left brain, associated with areas like logic, reasoning, analysis, and calculation, works more dominantly in men.”
Women Use 7 Thousand Words a Day
Tarhan stated that as one gets older and matures, and psychological maturity is achieved, the frontal brain balances the right and left hemispheres. He added, "Measurements regarding women's and men's brain differences have shown that the male brain is 14 grams heavier in terms of weight. However, the region facilitating communication between the two hemispheres is larger in women. This indicates, in terms of communication, that a man uses an average of two thousand words a day, while a woman uses an average of seven thousand words a day. This means there are differences in word production and speaking skills between the female and male brain."
Problem-Solving Style Varies by Gender
Tarhan stated that the brain is the organ that mediates psychological states into behaviors. “Due to this characteristic, psychological differences also emerge. Many of our behaviors are connected to the brain. Since our psyche expresses itself through the brain, it also has an impact. For example, there are differences between men and women in terms of problem-solving style, thought patterns, and communication style. Every person has life scripts written deep into their brain during childhood. Culturally, gender roles for women and men also develop. Gender is biological, but social roles are learned later. Women learn the female role. Men learn the male role,” he said.
Female and Male Brains Function Differently During a Crisis
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated, 'Sexual roles between men and women also affect attraction,' and continued his words as follows:
"All of these factors influence the relationship between women and men. For example, what are the differences in thinking styles? During a crisis, the male brain operates in a results-oriented manner. It retreats into its mental sanctuary, tries to solve the problem, and does not want to talk. The female brain, on the other hand, chooses to relieve stress by sharing. It doesn't think about the outcome, but rather the process. It works crisis-oriented. When both are stressed, conflict arises. If one is not stressed, they think the other is stressed and upset, tolerating it at that moment. In such situations, when a man says phrases like 'Why are you talking so much?' to a woman, more conflict arises. In fact, if he were to touch her shoulder, hug her, and say, 'You must be very upset, don't worry, we'll solve it,' he wouldn't even need to find a solution at that moment. When she feels his presence, the female brain already reduces stress hormones in that situation. A woman wants to be understood. She wants to be listened to. Listen to her, but don't produce a solution at that moment. Let the man listen to her, support her in some way, alleviate her anxiety at that moment, and the solution can be produced later. The female brain doesn't want to feel alone at that moment. The male brain, being results-oriented at that moment, feels sufficient with the feeling that his partner is by his side."
Women Have Greater Speaking Ability
Tarhan stated that the male and female brains work differently. He said, "Speaking skills are more developed in women. This is important for raising children. Women have less resistance to fear. A father might get engrossed in something and forget about his child, but a mother is not like that. Because a mother is more sensitive to fear, she can continuously protect her child better. That's why nothing can replace a mother. Such characteristics indicate that female and male brains are different by design."