SEX-DIFFERENCES IN RANK ATTAINMENT AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AMONG ACADEMIC PSYCHIATRISTS

Data from a survey distributed to all full-time faculty in-academic de partments of psychiatry were used to examine possible sex differences in research activities and rank attainment among psychiatrists. A tota l 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 fou r 10-year cohorts based on the year graduated from medical school, and differences between men and women were analyzed with chi2 tests. Over the entire sample, men were more likely than women to have had resear ch training, to have ever been principal investigators on peer-reviewe d grants, to mentor research trainees, to be currently involved in res earch activities, and to meet defined criteria as a ''researcher.'' Ma ny gender differences remained significant after controlling for senio rity and research training. In every cohort, the men had attained high er academic rank than the women. In general, differences in research a ctivity and productivity were most marked in the youngest cohort. To e nsure a rich talent pool for psychiatric research, efforts must be mad e to recruit and support researchers from among the increased number o f women in psychiatry.