Sex Differences in Rank Attainment and Research Activities Among Academic Psychiatrists

Abstract

Data from a survey distributed to all full-time faculty in academic departments of psychiatry were used to examine possible sex differences in research activities and rank attainment among psychiatrists. A total of 1923 psychiatrists responded, 1564 men (81.3%) and 359 women (18.7%). Continuous dependent variables were analyzed by using analyses of covariance with the year graduated from medical school as a covariate. For categorical dependent variables, the sample was divided into four 10-year cohorts based on the year graduated from medical school, and differences between men and women were analyzed with chi 2 tests. Over the entire sample, men were more likely than women to have had research training, to have ever been principal investigators on peer-reviewed grants, to mentor research trainees, to be currently involved in research activities, and to meet defined criteria as a "researcher." Many gender differences remained significant after controlling for seniority and research training. In every cohort, the men had attained higher academic rank than the women. In general, differences in research activity and productivity were most marked in the youngest cohort. To ensure a rich talent pool for psychiatric research, efforts must be made to recruit and support researchers from among the increased number of women in psychiatry.

Barriers and facilitators to conducting research by early career psychiatrists: a literature review

“…Efforts to increase recruitment into research should centre on identifying early developmental influences, eliminating barriers specific to women or minorities (Goldstein et al, 2014), and ensuring adequate funding to provide secure careers for talented potential researchers (Silberman et al, 2012). Although research has not identified specific gender inequalities in research activities, these issues need to be addressed in future research (e.g., (Leibenluft et al, 1993)), as the number of women and minorities in research remain low (Abrams et al, 2003).…”

The feminisation of psychiatry: changing gender balance in the psychiatric workforce

“…Tait & Platt (1995) found female consultants were less likely to receive merit awards. Women are underrepresented in medical school faculties (Heslop, 1987) and tend to achieve lower ranks if they pursue academic careers (Leibenluft et al, 1993). Stratton et al (2005) found that although large proportions of medical students had observed or experienced gender discrimination or sexual harassment, females were significantly more likely to describe such experiences as affecting their choice of specialty.…”

An evolutionary account of women's workplace status

“…Productivity within the academy is consistent with productivity without. Studies of scholarly output regularly show that men, on average, publish substantially more than women, whether or not the women have children (Persell, 1983;Cole and Zuckerman, 1987;Long, 1992;Leibenluft et al, 1993;Primack and Stacy, 1997).…”