Psychiatrists' beliefs about gender-appropriate behavior

Article Abstract:

In the past few decades, society's norms for gender-appropriate behavior have changed. The emergence of feminism in the 1960s, in part, prompted mental health professionals to reexamine their use of gender stereotypes that had an averse effect upon their female patients. It was proposed that changes in social norms have influenced psychiatrist's attitudes toward gender roles, and that in general, older, male psychiatrists may be more likely to retain traditional ideas of gender roles than younger doctors. Questionnaires were sent to 100 male and 100 female psychiatrists; 76 men and 57 women responded. The subjects were asked to use the Bem Sex Role Inventory to characterize optimal mental health for a hypothetical female and male patient. This inventory consists of masculine and feminine traits that are rated on a seven-point scale. The masculine traits emphasis instrumental, competent, and assertive behaviors, while the feminine traits focus on expressiveness, warmth, and concern for others. The results of the questionnaires indicate that gender role attitudes have changed among psychiatrists, and are less stereotyped and more complicated. Most of the doctors (68 percent) considered either androgynous or undifferentiated patterns as optimal for a man or a woman. In general, equal proportions of masculine and feminine traits were considered the healthiest profile. No differences were noted that reflected differences in response that were dependent upon the age of the psychiatrists. However, more women psychiatrists tended to select androgynous or masculine characteristics as optimal for patients of either gender. Possible explanations for this response of female doctors are discussed. A defense mechanism against being perceived as 'chauvinistic' may have influenced the male doctors' response; the fact that the female psychiatrists have been educated and compete in a traditionally male environment may have influenced their response. Women doctors who had longer tenure tended to have attitudes which were similar to their male colleagues. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Health aspects, Social aspects, Sex role, Sex roles, Sex differences, Sex (Psychology), Sexuality, Gender identity

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Normatology: a review and commentary with reference to abortion and physician-assisted suicide

Article Abstract:

The study of normal behavior or what constitutes it, otherwise known as normatology, has profited much from the contributions of Melvin Sabshin and Daniel Offer. Their prolific output has proven useful in guiding psychiatric decisions on such sensitive issues as suicide and abortion and physician-assisted methods. Psychiatrists may influence social opinion but to a certain extent and to a degree that does not run counter to established norms.

Suicide, Assisted suicide, Public opinion, Works, Abortion, Sabshin, Melvin

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Medical education: a commentary on historical and contemporary issues

Article Abstract:

John C. Nemiah has made a lasting impression on the people he has worked with and on students who knew him as a teacher. His dedication to medical education and commitment to maintaining the highest medical standards have fueled changes aimed at increasing the understanding of psychiatry. His literate approach to psychotherapy have informed science about the human and creative side of this field.

Analysis, Medicine, Biography, Nemiah, John Case

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