Female-to-female aggression in the workplace

Female-to-female aggression in the workplace describes behavior by a woman with higher power status that is intended to degrade, ridicule, or undermine the work of a woman with a lesser power status, and may impede the career goals of junior female radiologists. Senior women may or may not be aware of their role in perpetuating this behavior.

To characterize the prevalence, impact, and perceptions of female-to-female workplace aggression among pediatric radiologists in order to raise awareness and inform strategies for prevention and intervention.

An adapted version of a validated survey was developed and distributed electronically in October 2022 to all Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR) members. The 17-question survey included both multiple choice and free-text fields. Members were given 2 weeks to respond to the survey with two reminders electronically delivered prior to survey closing. Three questions addressed demographics, 11 questions addressed personal experience with this aggression, and three questions addressed potential causes and handling of this aggression. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses. Non-parametric statistics were used to compare group responses.

Survey response rate was 12% (199/1694) with 73% (144/199) female, 27% (54/199) male, and 0.5% (1/199) nonbinary. Respondents ranged from in-training to>21 years in practice and 25 years to>66 years of age + . Of all respondents, 47% (n=93) have personally been the recipient of female-to-female aggression, and 68% (n=35) have witnessed it. Thirty-six percent (n=71) of respondents admit to exerting this behavior on other women. Most respondents agree that this is a phenomenon limited to a few people rather than being widespread or caused by many; however, 39% (n=76) rank this aggression as a middle or top cause of stress/tension related to their jobs, and 46% (n=88) noted that it had changed or affected their career path. Seventy-six respondents included descriptions of their experiences and 109 had suggestions for solving problems related to female-to-female aggression.

Female-to-female aggression was experienced by 60% of female radiologists during their medical career and may negatively impact the careers of junior female radiologists. Characterizing the extent of this experience in our field will raise awareness and may help prevent or mitigate it.