Online images amplify gender bias.

Each year, people spend less time reading and more time viewing images1, which are proliferating online2-4. Images from platforms such as Google and Wikipedia are downloaded by millions every day2,5,6, and millions more are interacting through social media, such as Instagram and TikTok, that primarily consist of exchanging visual content. In parallel, news agencies and digital advertisers are increasingly capturing attention online through the use of images7,8, which people process more quickly, implicitly and memorably than text9-12. Here we show that the rise of images online significantly exacerbates gender bias, both in its statistical prevalence and its psychological impact. We examine the gender associations of 3,495 social categories (such as 'nurse' or 'banker') in more than one million images from Google, Wikipedia and Internet Movie Database (IMDb), and in billions of words from these platforms. We find that gender bias is consistently more prevalent in images than text for both female- and male-typed categories. We also show that the documented underrepresentation of women online13-18 is substantially worse in images than in text, public opinion and US census data. Finally, we conducted a nationally representative, preregistered experiment that shows that googling for images rather than textual descriptions of occupations amplifies gender bias in participants' beliefs. Addressing the societal effect of this large-scale shift towards visual communication will be essential for developing a fair and inclusive future for the internet.

Rebuild the Academy: Supporting academic mothers during COVID-19 and beyond.

The issues facing academic mothers have been discussed for decades. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is further exposing these inequalities as womxn scientists who are parenting while also engaging in a combination of academic related duties are falling behind. These inequities can be solved by investing strategically in solutions. Here we describe strategies that would ensure a more equitable academy for working mothers now and in the future. While the data are clear that mothers are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, many groups could benefit from these strategies. Rather than rebuilding what we once knew, let us be the architects of a new world.

Reflexivity and positionality applied to medical practice: a study on implicit gender bias with medical students in a Swiss university.

BACKGROUND: An array of evidence shows how the presence of implicit bias in clinical encounters can negatively impact provider-patient communication, quality of care and ultimately contribute to health inequities. Reflexive practice has been explored as an approach to identify and address implicit bias in healthcare providers, including medical students. At the Lausanne School of Medicine, a clinically integrated module was introduced in 2019 to raise students' awareness of gender bias in medical practice using a reflexivity and positionality approach. The purpose of this study is to describe the gender bias that were identified by medical students, analysing their types, places and modes of emergence during a clinical encounter. It further explores how positionality supported students' reflection on the way in which social position modulates their relationship to patients. METHODS: As part of the teaching activity, medical students individually reflected on gender bias in a specific clinical encounter by answering questions in their electronic portfolio. The questionnaire included a section on positionality. We qualitatively analysed the students' assignments (n=76), applying a thematic analysis framework. RESULTS: Medical students identified and described gender biases occurring at different moments of the clinical encounter (anamnesis (i.e. patient history), physical exam, differential diagnosis, final management). They causally associated these biases with wider social phenomena such as the gendered division of labour or stereotypes around sexuality and gender. Analysing students' reflections on how their position influenced their relationship with patients, we found that the suggested exercise revealed a major contradiction in the process of medical enculturation: the injunction to be neutral and objective erases the social and cultural context of patients and impedes an understanding of gender bias. CONCLUSION: Gender biases are present in the different steps of a clinical consultation and are rooted in broader gendered social representations. We further conclude that the tension between a quest for objectivity and the reality of social encounters should be made explicit to students, because it is constitutive of medical practice.

Everything changes but nothing changes: gender stereotypes in the Italian population.

PURPOSE: Gender stereotypes refer to consensual or cultural shared beliefs about the attributes of men and women, influencing society behaviors, interpersonal relationships, education, and workplace. The literature has shown the existence of gender stereotypes on career choices, internalization of roles, and school and social experiences and demonstrates the impact of demographic factors on stereotypes. However, all the studies conducted in Italy available in scientific literature analyzed small sample sizes within specific schools of university settings, with a limited age range. METHODS: To assess the current state of gender stereotypes in Italy, we conducted an online survey from October 2022 to January 2023 on the general population residing in Italy. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic factors and questions about gender stereotypes, investigating six fields: games, jobs, personality traits, home and family activities, sports, and moral judgments. RESULTS: The study involved 1854 participants, mostly women (70.1%) with an undergraduate or postgraduate degree (57.5%). The statistical and descriptive analyses revealed that gender stereotypes influenced respondents' beliefs, with statistically significant effects observed in most questions when stratifying by age, gender, and degree. Principal component analysis was performed to assess latent variables in different fields, revealing significant main stereotypes in each category. No statistically significant differences between men and women were found for the fields home and family activities, games, and moral judgments, confirming that stereotypes affect both men and women in the same way. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the persistence of gender stereotypes in any fields investigated, although our cohort is predominantly composed of high educational level women living in the North of Italy. This demonstrates that the long-standing gender stereotypes are prevalent, pernicious, and, unfortunately, internalized at times even by successful women pushbacking and sabotaging them unconsciously.

Sexual harassment and implicit gender-career biases negatively impact women's life expectancy in the US: a state-level analysis, 2011-2019.

BACKGROUND: Despite some gains, women continue to have less access to work and poorer experiences in the workplace, relative to men. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among women's life expectancy and two work-related factors, sexual harassment and gender-career biases. METHOD: We examined the associations at the state level of analysis (and District of Columbia) in the US from 2011 to 2019 (n = 459) using archival data from various sources. Measures of the ratio of population to primary health providers, year, the percent of adults who are uninsured, the percent of residents aged 65 or older, and percent of residents who are Non-Hispanic White all served as controls. RESULTS: Results of linear regression models showed that, after accounting for the controls, sexual harassment and gender-career biases among people in the state held significant, negative associations with women's life expectancy. CONCLUSION: The study contributes to the small but growing literature showing that negative workplace experiences and bias against women in the workplace negatively impact women's health.

Hostile sexism is related to worse mental health outcomes among fathers.

OBJECTIVE: Transition to parenthood is a life-changing yet stressful event for both men and women. The present study aims to: (1) establish the incidence of prenatal paternal depression and anxiety in a sample of expectant fathers and (2) assess the relationship between sexist beliefs and mental health outcomes. METHODS: We recruited expectant fathers (n = 100) who attended the Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient Clinic of Eskisehir Osmangazi University Hospital with their pregnant partners. Fathers completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Ambivalent Sexism Scale. RESULTS: 36% of expectant fathers reported depression, and 12% reported anxiety. Hostile sexism was correlated with depression (r = 0.303, p < 0.01), and anxiety (r = 0.228, p < 0.05). Benevolent sexism was not related to anxiety or depression (each, p > 0.05). Family social support (p = 0.004) and perceived financial satisfaction (p = 0.027) predicted anxiety, while family social support (p < 0.001) and perceived financial satisfaction (p = 0.036) predicted depression. Hostile sexism predicted both anxiety (B = 0.28, p = 0.004) and depression (B = 0.32, p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: Results may not show a causal relationship due to the study's cross-sectional design. We recruited participants in only one center. Our measures of anxiety and depression were purely psychometric. CONCLUSIONS: Sexist beliefs may serve as environmental stressors among men in the perinatal period by increasing the masculine role stress. Future interventions to treat prenatal paternal depression may target sexism.

Gender stereotypes about interests start early and cause gender disparities in computer science and engineering.

Societal stereotypes depict girls as less interested than boys in computer science and engineering. We demonstrate the existence of these stereotypes among children and adolescents from first to 12th grade and their potential negative consequences for girls' subsequent participation in these fields. Studies 1 and 2 (n = 2,277; one preregistered) reveal that children as young as age six (first grade) and adolescents across multiple racial/ethnic and gender intersections (Black, Latinx, Asian, and White girls and boys) endorse stereotypes that girls are less interested than boys in computer science and engineering. The more that individual girls endorse gender-interest stereotypes favoring boys in computer science and engineering, the lower their own interest and sense of belonging in these fields. These gender-interest stereotypes are endorsed even more strongly than gender stereotypes about computer science and engineering abilities. Studies 3 and 4 (n = 172; both preregistered) experimentally demonstrate that 8- to 9-y-old girls are significantly less interested in an activity marked with a gender stereotype ("girls are less interested in this activity than boys") compared to an activity with no such stereotype ("girls and boys are equally interested in this activity"). Taken together, both ecologically valid real-world studies (Studies 1 and 2) and controlled preregistered laboratory experiments (Studies 3 and 4) reveal that stereotypes that girls are less interested than boys in computer science and engineering emerge early and may contribute to gender disparities.

Is there a relationship between internalized misogyny and attitudes towards dating violence in young women?

This study aims to determine the relationship between young women's attitudes towards dating violence and internalized misogyny. This study used descriptive and relational design. The target population of the study was all young women aged between 18 and 24 years who lived in Turkey. A total of 288 individuals were accessed in the study. Data were collected through the "Personal Information Form" developed by the researchers, "Attitudes towards Dating Violence Scales", and the "Internalized Misogyny Scale". Participating young women's Attitudes Towards Male Psychological Dating Violence Scale mean score and the Internalized Misogyny Scale mean score demonstrated a positive and medium level relationship (p<0.01. r:0.412), and a positive and weak correlation was detected with Devaluing of Women (p<0.01. r:0.374), Distrust of Women (p<0.01. r:0.341), and gender bias in favor of men (p<0.01. r:0.321) sub-scale mean scores. This study found that although the level was weak, there was a correlation between internalized misogyny and dating violence, and the increase in internalized misogyny increased the acceptance of dating violence in young women.

The harm hypothesis: How perceived harm to women shapes reactions to research on sex differences.

Past research suggests that reactions to research on sex differences are often less positive when the findings put men in a better light than women, especially when the lead researcher is a man. The factors underlying this effect, however, are not yet fully understood. The present study aimed to provide the first experimental test of the hypothesis that the key variable is perceived harm to women. Participants (214 men and 219 women) evaluated a bogus popular-science article reporting fictional research finding either a female- or a male-favouring sex difference in intelligence, attributed to either a female or a male lead researcher. To examine the effects of perceived harm, the introduction to the task highlighted either the potential benefits or potential drawbacks of sex-differences research in general. Consistent with past research, participants reacted less positively to the male-favouring difference, especially for male-led research. Consistent with the harm hypothesis, the effect was stronger after highlighting the potential drawbacks of sex-differences research than after highlighting the potential benefits. Our findings suggest that perceptions of harm to women underpin the aversion to male-favouring findings.

[THE EFFECTS OF GENDER ON THE MANIFESTATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES OF WEIGHT STIGMA].

INTRODUCTION: Weight stigma, or weight bias, refers to biased beliefs and negative opinions towards people with excess weight. This phenomenon manifests in prejudice and negative attitudes towards people with obesity, including disrespectful treatment, bullying, discrimination and even abuse, and leading to long-term negative consequences on physical and mental health. The purpose of the current review was to examine the relationship between gender and manifestations of weight stigma. Studies listed in this review show that the phenomenon of weight stigma is more common and severe among women, in numerous life areas, which include education, employment, the healthcare system, social media, sports industry, and interpersonal relationships. Possible reasons for such differences include the existing discrimination against women in various areas of life, and the emphasis on external appearance and the ideal of thinness, which relates mainly to women. In light of the serious consequences of weight stigma on public health and individual well-being, efforts must be made to prevent weight stigma, including the education of the general population, changing policies of healthcare, education and media systems, and legislation to prevent weight-based discrimination.

[Gender bias in clinical management : what can we do ?] / Biais de genre dans la prise en charge médicale : que faire ?

Health data show that there are differences in clinical management based on gender. One hypothesis is that these differences in management are not intentional discrimination but are the result of implicit and unconscious biases on the part of healthcare providers. These biases influence the clinical reasoning and practice of providers. This article, using clinical examples, illustrates how reflective practice is integrated into medical teaching in Lausanne to enable students to identify their biases, control them and ensure fair and relevant care. Students are also prompted to reflect on their social positionality, as thematising the power dynamics around knowledge and social interactions helps to better understand and prepare for medical practice.

Les données en santé font état de différences de traitement médical en fonction du genre. L'une des hypothèses est que ces différences de traitement ne sont pas des discriminations intentionnelles, mais relèvent de biais implicites et inconscients des soignant-e-s. Ces biais ont une influence sur les raisonnements et la pratique clinique des soignant-e-s. Cet article, à l'aide d'exemples cliniques, illustre comment la pratique réflexive est intégrée à l'enseignement en médecine à Lausanne afin de permettre aux étudiant-e-s d'identifier leurs biais, de les contrôler et d'assurer des soins équitables et pertinents. Il est également proposé aux étudiant-e-s de réfléchir à leur positionnement social, car thématiser les dynamiques de pouvoir autour des savoirs et des interactions sociales permet de mieux comprendre et préparer la pratique médicale.

More Than Identity: An Intersectional Approach to Understanding Mental-Emotional Well-Being of Emerging Adults by Centering Lived Experiences of Marginalization.

Understanding social determinants that shape pertinent developmental shifts during emerging adulthood (i.e., ages 18-25 years) and their associations with psychological health requires a nuanced approach. In our exploratory study, we investigated how multiple social identities and lived experiences generated by systems of marginalization and power (e.g., racism, classism, sexism) intersect in connection to the mental-emotional well-being of emerging adults (EAs). Eating and Activity Over Time (EAT, 2010-2018) data were collected from 1,568 EAs (mean age = 22.2 (standard deviation, 2.0) years) recruited initially in 2010 from Minneapolis/St. Paul schools. Conditional inference tree analyses were employed to treat "social location" and systems of marginalization and power as interdependent social factors influencing EAs' mental-emotional well-being outcomes: depressive symptoms, stress, self-esteem, and self-compassion. Conditional inference tree analyses identified EAs' subgroups with differing mean levels of mental-emotional well-being outcomes, distinguished primarily by marginalized social experiences (e.g., discrimination, financial difficulties) rather than social identities themselves. The relative positioning of EAs' experiences of social marginalization (e.g., discrimination) to their social identities (e.g., race/ethnicity) suggests that the social experiences generated by systems of privilege and oppression (e.g., racism) are more adjacent social determinants of mental-emotional well-being than the social identities used in public health research to proxy the oppressive systems that give them social meaning.

State of Gender-Based Microaggressions Among Surgeons and Development of Simulation Workshops for Addressing Microaggressions for Surgical Trainees and Students.

BACKGROUND: Microaggressions are statements or actions taken in a discriminatory manner. Microaggressions can be subtle or explicit, intentional or unintentional, but regardless of the type of microaggressions, it is important to identify and address them, as they are linked to physician burnout and add to levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence, quality, and impacts of gender-based microaggressions on surgeons and surgical trainees using simulation-based education. Further, we plan to iteratively develop more simulation sessions based on the findings of this study. METHODS: We used simulation-based education to develop and implement microaggression scenarios. Those scenarios were performed by standardized patients (trained actors) who demonstrated the different microaggression situations previously seen at the workplace and wards. Published tools to address gender-based microaggressions were outlined in preparation (prebrief) for a discussion of recorded simulations. A debrief of developing potential resolutions as learners and future allies and how similar microaggressions may have been perpetuated in our own careers followed each scenario. Additionally, an 11-item survey was developed based on validated surveys of sexist and Microaggressions Experience and Stress Scale and disseminated through email listservs and social media links. Data collection occurred from November to December 2022. RESULTS: When surveyed after the workshop, 100% of participants (n = 6) said that they would recommend this session to follow colleagues, and 100% completely agreed the content of the simulation was relevant to their future practice. Further, 100% of participants agreed or completely agreed that their ability to perform these tasks (addressing microaggressions) has improved after this course. Most respondents to the disseminated survey (n = 147) were vascular surgeons (95/147; 64.6%) and identified as White (93/147; 63.3%), and as women (142/147; 96.6%). Most were identified as targets of gender-based microaggressions (128/147; 87.1%) and or silent witnesses to such microaggressions (87/147; 59.2%). However, there were reports of having a perpetrator of a microaggression (2/147; 1.4%), a nonsilent witness (3/147; 2.0%), or having no target, witness, or perpetrator (3/147; 2.0%). Of the quality of microaggressions, the most common impacts were when the targeted individual attempted to hide their emotions to not appear too emotional (described in the literature as "leaving gender at the door") (32/147; 21.8%), were told that women no longer experience discrimination (25/147; 17.0%), and were asked when one would have children (24/147; 16.3%). The most stressful types of microaggressions were ones in which male peers were the only ones receiving recognition for work (55/147; 37.4%), targets were told women no longer experience discrimination (49/147; 33.3%), and in which men spoke about women in degrading terms regarding their gender or on topics related to their gender (35/147; 23.8%). Qualitative responses to the survey included comments remarking on the relevancy and prevalence of gender-based microaggressions, reasons for silence, the personal and professional impacts (e.g., pay equity) of microaggressions and gender bias, and future areas of work to address bias in medicine. CONCLUSIONS: Given the prevalence of microaggressions seen in surgery, especially among vascular surgeons, future steps include discussion of how techniques can be developed and applied to other types of microaggressions (e.g., due to race/ethnicity, sexuality, disability, religion), implementation of future workshops that address intersectionality in scenarios and potentially virtual sessions to increase accessibility to these types of training options for learners at other institutions.

Workplace Harassment, Cyber Incivility, and Climate in Academic Medicine.

Importance: The culture of academic medicine may foster mistreatment that disproportionately affects individuals who have been marginalized within a given society (minoritized groups) and compromises workforce vitality. Existing research has been limited by a lack of comprehensive, validated measures, low response rates, and narrow samples as well as comparisons limited to the binary gender categories of male or female assigned at birth (cisgender). Objective: To evaluate academic medical culture, faculty mental health, and their relationship. Design, Setting, and Participants: A total of 830 faculty members in the US received National Institutes of Health career development awards from 2006-2009, remained in academia, and responded to a 2021 survey that had a response rate of 64%. Experiences were compared by gender, race and ethnicity (using the categories of Asian, underrepresented in medicine [defined as race and ethnicity other than Asian or non-Hispanic White], and White), and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) status. Multivariable models were used to explore associations between experiences of culture (climate, sexual harassment, and cyber incivility) with mental health. Exposures: Minoritized identity based on gender, race and ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ status. Main Outcomes and Measures: Three aspects of culture were measured as the primary outcomes: organizational climate, sexual harassment, and cyber incivility using previously developed instruments. The 5-item Mental Health Inventory (scored from 0 to 100 points with higher values indicating better mental health) was used to evaluate the secondary outcome of mental health. Results: Of the 830 faculty members, there were 422 men, 385 women, 2 in nonbinary gender category, and 21 who did not identify gender; there were 169 Asian respondents, 66 respondents underrepresented in medicine, 572 White respondents, and 23 respondents who did not report their race and ethnicity; and there were 774 respondents who identified as cisgender and heterosexual, 31 as having LGBTQ+ status, and 25 who did not identify status. Women rated general climate (5-point scale) more negatively than men (mean, 3.68 [95% CI, 3.59-3.77] vs 3.96 [95% CI, 3.88-4.04], respectively, P < .001). Diversity climate ratings differed significantly by gender (mean, 3.72 [95% CI, 3.64-3.80] for women vs 4.16 [95% CI, 4.09-4.23] for men, P < .001) and by race and ethnicity (mean, 4.0 [95% CI, 3.88-4.12] for Asian respondents, 3.71 [95% CI, 3.50-3.92] for respondents underrepresented in medicine, and 3.96 [95% CI, 3.90-4.02] for White respondents, P = .04). Women were more likely than men to report experiencing gender harassment (sexist remarks and crude behaviors) (71.9% [95% CI, 67.1%-76.4%] vs 44.9% [95% CI, 40.1%-49.8%], respectively, P < .001). Respondents with LGBTQ+ status were more likely to report experiencing sexual harassment than cisgender and heterosexual respondents when using social media professionally (13.3% [95% CI, 1.7%-40.5%] vs 2.5% [95% CI, 1.2%-4.6%], respectively, P = .01). Each of the 3 aspects of culture and gender were significantly associated with the secondary outcome of mental health in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions and Relevance: High rates of sexual harassment, cyber incivility, and negative organizational climate exist in academic medicine, disproportionately affecting minoritized groups and affecting mental health. Ongoing efforts to transform culture are necessary.

I'm just joking! Perceptions of sexist humour and sexist beliefs in a Latin American context.

Previous research has stated a relationship between sexist ideologies and humour appreciation. However, most research has been done in North America and Europe. In the present study, we aimed to approach in an exploratory way to the social perceptions of sexist humour in Costa Rica. Data was gathered through an online survey, participants (N = 323; 220 females) completed measures to characterise expressions of sexist humour. The main measures included perceived funniness, frequency and means of exposure, and perceived offensiveness, as well as completing the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI). Overall, previous exposure to this kind of humour was remarkably high. No significant differences were observed between women's and men's perceptions of the frequency, means and places of exposure, but emotional and behavioural reactions to sexist humour were gender-based. Women reported higher displeasure, more confrontation and felt angrier and more offended than men when exposed to this type of humour. Data support existing evidence of the relationship with sexist ideology. Specifically, hostile sexism was found to be a significant predictor of perceived funniness and offensiveness of the sexist jokes. An interaction effect between hostile sexism and the sex of participants was found, showing that as hostile sexism increased, perceived offensiveness decreased, but more rapidly for men. Results are discussed considering the practical implications and limitations, as well as the need for more research in the Latin American context.

Effect of the Lights4Violence intervention on the sexism of adolescents in European countries.

BACKGROUND: Sexism results in a number of attitudes and behaviors that contribute to gender inequalities in social structure and interpersonal relationships. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Lights4Violence, an intervention program based on promoting health assets to reduce sexist attitudes in young European people. METHODS: We carried out a quasi-experimental study in a non-probabilistic population of 1146 students, aged 12-17 years. The dependent variables were the difference in the wave 1 and wave 2 values in the subscales of the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory: benevolent sexism (BS) and hostile sexism (HS). The effect of the intervention was evaluated through linear regression analyses stratified by sex. The models were adjusted by baseline subscales scores, socio-demographic and psychological variables. RESULTS: In girls, we observed a decrease in BS in the intervention group compared to the control group (ß = - 0.101; p = 0.006). In the wave2,, BS decreased more in the intervention group compared to the control group in girls with mothers with a low level of education (ß = - 0.338; p = 0.001), with a high level of social support (ß = - 0.251; p < 0.001), with greater capacity for conflict resolution (ß = - 0.201; p < 0.001) and lower levels of aggressiveness (ß = - 0.232, p < 0.001). In boys, the mean levels of HS and BH decreased in wave 2 in both the control and intervention groups. The changes observed after the wave 2 were the same in the control group and in the intervention group. No significant differences were identified between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the Lights4Violence was associated with a significant reduction in BS in girls, which highlights the potential of interventions aimed at supporting the personal competencies and social support. It is necessary to reinforce the inclusion of educational contents that promote reflection among boys about the role of gender and the meaning of the attributes of masculinity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT03411564 . Unique Protocol ID: 776905. Date registered: 26-01-2018.

Anchoring Vignettes as a Method to Address Implicit Gender Bias in Patient Experience Scores.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Patient experience metrics have become increasingly important in evaluations of health care organizations and physician performance. Although such measures have been touted as a way to make objective comparisons of performance, they are subject to many of the same biases as other survey instruments, including gender bias. METHODS: A total of 320 surveys were conducted between February and October 2020. Surveys included vignettes describing different scenarios, and respondents were asked to rate the vignette physician in each scenario on 1 of 3 themes: listening, time, or courtesy. Three vignettes per theme were used. Half of the surveys used a male physician and half used a female physician. Using tests of difference, we compared the ratings of male and female vignette physicians. We also used a statistical technique known as anchoring vignettes to show how respondents' ratings of vignette physicians related to their ratings of their own physicians. RESULTS: In all 9 vignette scenarios, the male vignette physician was rated more highly than the female vignette physician. These differences were statistically significant in 2 of 9 scenarios. Male vignette physicians were given more top-box ratings than female vignette physicians. Anchoring vignettes showed a statistically nonsignificant association between vignette ratings and ratings of respondents' own physicians. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed a pattern of higher ratings of male vignette physicians when compared to female vignette physicians, which may translate to ratings of patients' own physicians. These findings suggest that current methods to evaluate patients' experiences with their own physicians may disadvantage female physicians.

Examining the Links Between Beauty Ideals Internalization, the Objectification of Women, and Ambivalent Sexism Among Chinese Women: The Effects of Sexual Orientation.

The widespread propagation of beauty ideals has made their influence inescapable for women worldwide. Numerous studies have suggested the negative consequences of the internalization of beauty ideals. However, researchers have mostly focused on Western cultures, with only a few studies addressing China. Given that Chinese traditional Confucian values emphasize more reproduction and family duties of women, women suffer more pressures in China. However, not all women experience and respond to cultural practices in the same way. The present study aimed to examine the mechanism underlying the link between the internalization of beauty ideals and ambivalent sexism and the differences in this link among subgroups of Chinese women. Data were collected from a sample of 293 (146 heterosexual women, 147 sexual minority women). The results showed that the associations of the internalization of beauty ideals with hostile sexism and benevolent sexism were mediated by the objectification of women. Furthermore, the link between the internalization of beauty ideals and the objectification of women depended on women's sexual orientation. More specifically, for lesbian and bisexual women but not heterosexual women, the internalization of beauty ideals was positively associated with the objectification of women. The present study addressed a major gap by examining how and for whom the internalization of beauty ideals was associated with increased hostile sexism and benevolent sexism among Chinese women. Sociocultural factors and implications are discussed.