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Gender Self-Perception and Psychological Distress in Healthcare Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Beatriz Rodríguez-Roca

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Ana Belén Subirón-Valera

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Ángel Gasch-Gallén

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Estela Calatayud

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Isabel Gómez-Soria

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Yolanda Marcén-Román

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
    Institute for Health Research Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze university Health Sciences students’ self-perception regarding gender stereotypes, and to explore whether there was any association between gender stereotypes and clinical/socio-demographic variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 252 university students who completed a self-administrated online questionnaire (18.3% males, 81.7% females). We evaluated the self-perception of gender stereotypes as determined using the BSRI-12 questionnaire and explored the association of this measure with the impact of perceived stress measured using a modified scale (PSS-10-C) as well as anxiety and depression according to scores on the Goldberg scale (GADS). Results: According to the students’ self-perception of gender stereotypes, 24.9% self-perceived themselves as feminine, 20.1% as masculine, 24.9% as androgynous, and 30% as undifferentiated. The degree determines self-identification with gender stereotypes. Nursing and Occupational Therapy are studied mostly by women, 28.4% and 45%, respectively, while Physiotherapy is studied mainly by men (71.2%). Females indicated more anxiety (75.7%) and depression (81.7%) than males (52.9% and 67.3%, respectively). In contrast, males developed more stress (88.5%) than females (74.1%). Conclusions: University degree, anxiety, depression, and stress determined self-identification with gender stereotypes. The results of this study indicate that gender roles influence the possibility of developing mental disorders and should be taken into account in future studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Beatriz Rodríguez-Roca & Ana Belén Subirón-Valera & Ángel Gasch-Gallén & Estela Calatayud & Isabel Gómez-Soria & Yolanda Marcén-Román, 2021. "Gender Self-Perception and Psychological Distress in Healthcare Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-11, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:20:p:10918-:d:658405
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. M. Pilar Matud & Marisela López-Curbelo & Demelza Fortes, 2019. "Gender and Psychological Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-11, September.
    2. Badr K. Aldhmadi & Rakesh Kumar & Ramaiah Itumalla & Bilesha Perera, 2021. "Depressive Symptomatology and Practice of Safety Measures among Undergraduate Students during COVID-19: Impact of Gender," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-9, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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