Date of Graduation

12-2025

Document Type

UAF Access Only - Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Psychological Science

Advisor/Mentor

Dr. Ana J. Bridges

Committee Member

Dr. Kate Chapman

Second Committee Member

Dr. Mack Ivey

Abstract

Female medical residents frequently encounter gendered microaggressions, but there is limited research on how these experiences relate to psychological well-being, burnout, and patient care. The present study investigated (1) the frequency of gendered microaggressions among female medical residents in the United States and (2) the associations between microaggressions, internalizing symptoms, burnout, and self-reported patient care. After screening for eligibility, 14 verified participants completed an online survey including a modified version of the Microinvalidation and Microinsult Scale-16 (MIMI-16), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and a self-reported patient care scale. Descriptive results showed participants experienced gendered microaggressions slightly more than rarely, with common experiences including comments on one’s appearance more often than men, competency levels being questioned, and differing gendered expectations. Microaggressions were significantly correlated with internalizing symptoms, supporting the hypothesis that more frequent microaggressions relate to higher depression, anxiety, and stress. Although the association between microaggressions and burnout did not reach statistical significance, the medium-to-large correlation (r = .42) suggests a meaningful relationship likely obscured by limited statistical power. Microaggressions were not directly associated with patient care attitudes or practices. However, exploratory analyses indicated a potential serial mediation pathway in which microaggressions relate to greater internalizing symptoms, which in turn relate to higher burnout and subsequently to poorer patient care. Burnout itself was strongly associated with suboptimal patient care practices and attitudes. Findings highlight the emotional burden of gendered microaggressions and suggest possible downstream implications for patient care through increased emotional distress. Due to the small sample size and reliance on self-report data, results are preliminary but underscore the need for larger, multi-site research and institutional interventions to reduce gendered microaggressions and promote resident well-being.

Keywords

Workplace discrimination; Medical training; Burnout; Depression; Stress; Anxiety

Download

Share

COinS