The authors studied first-year medical students to assess sex
differences in psychological functioning. No initial sex differences in
adjustment were found on any self-report measures. By mid-year, however,
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. The authors suggest that these findings
point to the potentially negative impact of current medical training on
women.
Abstract Teaser