Final answer:
Research indicates that women generally report higher levels of stress than men, primarily due to greater responsibility for family demands. Although certain groups of men, like those affected by the 2008-2009 economic downturn, may experience an increase in stress, women sustain higher average stress levels overall.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which gender is more likely to report stress levels that are on the rise and more extreme. Based on the literature provided, particularly the findings from Cohen & Janicki-Deverts (2012) and Gyllensten & Palmer (2005), it can be determined that women generally experience higher levels of stress compared to men. This conclusion is supported by research showing that women often bear greater responsibility for family demands, which contributes to higher stress levels. Additionally, the economic downturn of 2008-2009 was found to be particularly stressful for certain demographic groups, including college-educated employed men, but overall, women still report higher stress levels.
It is important to note that stress levels can be influenced by various factors such as unemployment, education, and income, which means that certain groups of men may experience significant stress under specific circumstances. However, the body of evidence suggests that, on average, women report more stress than men. The surveys conducted in 1983, 2006, and 2009 showed consistent findings in this regard.