Is there a chilly climate? An educational environmental mixed method study in a chiropractic training institution

Area of Science:

• Chiropractic Education
• Higher Education
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Gender attitudes significantly influence student well-being and academic success.
• Research on gender-related issues in chiropractic undergraduate settings is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and extent of gender-related issues within a chiropractic undergraduate learning environment.
• To assess the overall climate concerning gender in chiropractic education.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Perceived Chilly Climate Scale (PCCS) for initial screening of gender issues.
• Conducted focus group interviews to further explore identified concerns.
• Achieved an 83% response rate for the PCCS questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Quantitative PCCS scores (105/196) suggested no alarming gender-related issues.
• Significantly higher PCCS scores were observed among female, immigrant, and minority students.
• Focus groups revealed a positive environment with a sense of equality and no overt discrimination.

Conclusions:

• The chiropractic institution's educational environment is generally conducive to equality.
• Subtle gender, ethnic, and minority-related issues warrant attention for educational enhancement.
• Further interventions can foster a more inclusive and supportive learning atmosphere.