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Physician role conflict and resulting career changes. Gender and generational differences
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Most physicians experience role conflict, with women and younger doctors reporting higher rates. Many physicians change careers due to family, with reduced work hours being common. Flexible options can help balance roles.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Occupational Health
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Physicians face significant role conflict balancing demanding careers with family life.
- Understanding gender and generational differences in this conflict is crucial for physician well-being and retention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender and generational disparities in role conflict prevalence among married physicians with children.
- To examine how role conflict influences career changes in these physician groups.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 656 married physicians with children in Southern California.
- Analysis of gender (64% male, 36% female) and age cohorts (younger vs. older).
Main Results:
- Higher role conflict reported by female (87%) vs. male (62%) physicians, and by younger (93% female, 79% male) vs. older (80% female, 54% male) physicians.
- Female physicians were more likely to make career changes for children (85% vs. 35%).
- Younger male physicians increased career changes for marriage or children compared to older male physicians.
Conclusions:
- Role conflict is prevalent among physicians, often leading to career adjustments.
- Flexible career options are essential for physicians to effectively integrate professional and family responsibilities.