Related Experiment Videos
Gender differences in the practice patterns of forensic psychiatry experts
Marilyn Price1, Patricia R Recupero, David R Strong
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI, USA. marilyn_price@brown.edu
The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|November 2, 2004
Summary
Female forensic psychiatrists perform fewer evaluation types than men, particularly in criminal and civil commitment cases. However, hourly rates are similar, though women more frequently believe gender influences expert selection.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Medical Law
- Gender Studies in Medicine
Background:
- The field of forensic psychiatry has seen a significant increase in female practitioners over the last 25 years.
- Understanding potential gender-based differences in practice is crucial for professional development and equity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender disparities in the practice patterns of forensic psychiatry experts.
- To determine if male and female forensic psychiatrists engage in different types of evaluations or have differing perceptions of gender's role in expert selection.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to members of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law during an annual business meeting.
- Data collected included types of evaluations performed, hourly rates, and perceptions of gender influence on expert selection.
Main Results:
- Women forensic psychiatrists reported performing fewer categories of evaluations compared to men.
- Specific areas where women performed less work included criminal evaluations, civil commitment/involuntary medication, and testamentary capacity.
- No significant gender differences were found in hourly rates or in performing evaluations related to personal injury, disability, fitness for duty, custody, sexual harassment, or malpractice.
- A notable difference in perception emerged, with 80% of women and 41% of men believing gender influences expert selection.
Conclusions:
- Gender appears to influence the types of evaluations conducted by forensic psychiatrists, with women specializing in fewer categories.
- Despite differences in practice areas, hourly compensation is not gender-dependent.
- Perceptions regarding the influence of gender on expert selection differ significantly between male and female forensic psychiatrists.