Sex differences in medical student mental health

Abstract

First year medical students were studied to assess sex differences in psychological functioning. No initial sex differences in adjustment were found on any self-report measures. By mid-year women students had developed more psychiatric symptoms and tended to report less satisfaction with life. By the year''s end the women remained somewhat more symptomatic but to a lesser extent than had been apparent at mid-year. Women also reported more role conflict and described their families as less supportive of their career choice. These findings point to the potentially negative impact of current medical training on women.