The Relationship of Gender to Perceived Stress and Distress in Medical School

Abstract

This study focused on gender differences in perceived stress and distress in response to the pre-clinical years of medical school. Females (N = 248) reported significantly more anxiety than males (N = 345); however, the 2 groups reported similar levels of depression and self-esteem. Females had significantly higher scores than males on such perceived stressors as: isolation in the school environment, faculty hostility, administrative obstacles, and expectations about enduring the demanding role of the physician. Females also reported more symptoms of depression in response to stressors involving the school environment. These results reinforce anecdotal papers which have discussed the special difficulties females have in a traditionally male-oriented medical environment.