Personality changes in a sample of women physicians

Personality changes in a sample of 49 women physicians who graduated from the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine were measured by psychological tests and interview procedures. Differences between psychological test scores on entry and 8 to 11 years later were not great in magnitude, but they were consistent. The nature of the changes pointed in the direction of greated effectiveness in the area of work and achievements, more introspection, more certainty about goals, and more awareness and acceptance of traditional role demands. Correspondingly, there was a diminution of strivings for success and needs for impressing others. The most frequently cited changes by the women physicians were increased self-confidence and greater self-acceptance followed by more awareness of nurturant, loving feelings in themselves.