Gender Differences Research Articles

‘How anxious I am’: the effect of different online modalities on Chinese language beginners’ classroom anxiety

ABSTRACT Foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA) is ‘a distinct complex set of self-perceptions, beliefs, feelings and behaviours related to classroom language learning arising from the uniqueness of the language learning process’ (Horwitz, Horwitz and Cope 1986: 128) [Foreign language classroom anxiety. The Modern Language Journal 70, no. 2: 125–32] which potentially has a negative impact on achievement and engagement in language learning. The purpose of the investigation reported here was to examine how two online modalities – Zoom video conferencing and the virtual world, Second Life – affected FLCA among Chinese language beginners performing tasks using the different modes. Through statistical and thematical analyses of survey data along with open-ended questions from 55 participants, it was found that the relationship between FLCA levels experienced by learners on these modalities was influenced by various factors such as gender differences, task-related language skills, and self-perceived language proficiency. The study also suggests that FLCA is dependent on the learners’ immediate learning experience, particularly in relation to their level of engagement and task awareness. Despite the small sample size, the study sheds light on the advantages and limitations of each modality in terms of its effect on students’ FLCA and performance in task-based language teaching.

Methodological approaches in developing and implementing digital health interventions amongst underserved women.

Minority populations are utilizing mobile health applications more frequently to access health information. One group that may benefit from using mHealth technology is underserved women, specifically those on community supervision. Discuss methodological approaches for navigating digital health strategies to address underserved women's health disparities. Using an intersectional lens, we identified strategies for conducting research using digital health technology and artificial intelligence amongst the underserved, particularly those with community supervision. We explore (1) methodological approaches that combine traditional research methods with precision medicine, digital phenotyping, and ecological momentary assessment; (2) implications for artificial intelligence; and (3) ethical considerations with data collection, storage, and engagement. Researchers must address gendered differences related to health, social, and economic disparities concurrently with an unwavering focus on the protection of human subjects when addressing the unique needs of underserved women while utilizing digital health methodologies. Women on community supervision in South Central Texas helped inform the design of JUN, the mHealth app we reported in the case exemplar. JUN is named after the Junonia shell, a native shell to South Texas, which means strength, power, and self-sufficiency, like the participants in our preliminary studies.

Early career gender differences in job burnout trajectories in Finland: Roles of work, family, and financial resources

The gender gap in job burnout research indicates that women score higher on job burnout. However, this gender difference has rarely been studied from developmental perspectives. Moreover, the underlying gender differences in job resources—driven by gendered socialization in early career years—have been under-investigated. The present study examined the trajectory of early career job burnout, gender differences in job burnout development, and gendered job resources. Results from latent growth curve modeling (N = 619, 65.3% women, ages 26–34), using the longitudinal data from three time points (2013–2020), showed that the trajectory of job burnout was decreasing in early career years, and this pattern did not vary between genders. As expected, women scored higher in job burnout. Gender differences in job resources were found: parenthood status only prevented job burnout for women, whereas income and partner support only prevented job burnout for men. Belongingness to the workplace prevented job burnout for both genders. Findings suggest that young adults make use of job resources from their socialization in early career years and experience a decreasing pattern of job burnout. The current gender gap in job burnout may be explained by gender differences in socialization and roles in early career transitions.

Causes and Countermeasure of Job Burnout of Funeral Workers from the Perspective of Public Management in Anhui Province, China

Background and Aim: The purposes of this study were 1) to study the causes of job burnout of funeral workers from the perspective of public management in Anhui Province.2) to study the countermeasures of job burnout of funeral workers from the perspective of public management in Anhui Province and 3) to study the recommendations of job burnout of funeral workers from the perspective of public management in Anhui Province. In this study, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 8 funeral practitioners from 4 funeral institutions in Anhui province (taking 4 funeral institutions in Hefei, Anhui Province as examples). Materials and Methods: Through interviews with key informants who represented a range of roles within the funeral industry and a focus on four funeral agencies, the study carefully investigated the funeral industry in Anhui Province. Eight people—funeral directors, cremators, embalming surgeons, funeral attendants, and people who handle remains—provided insights between 2023 and 2023, offering a thorough picture of the dynamics and practices of the industry in the area. Results: (1) The causes of job burnout of funeral workers from the perspective of public management in Anhui Province on the whole are under great pressure. The social prejudice against the funeral profession and the oppressive working environment. (2) In terms of personal characteristics, funeral workers have significant differences in their work stress responses due to differences in gender, age, working hours, and specific work content; In terms of education level, marital status, and position, there is no significant difference in work stress response of funeral workers. (3) From the analysis of various dimensions of work stress sources for funeral workers, the five dimensions of workload, colleague relationship, work environment, family relationship, and social 2influence have significant predictive effects on the overall work stress response. Conclusion: Funeral workers in Anhui Province experience severe job burnout as a result of social prejudice, oppressive working conditions, and a variety of personal issues. Workload, colleague relationships, the work environment, family dynamics, and social influence all have a significant impact on work stress, and reactions vary by gender, age, and job type.

Exploring the gender gap in neurosurgery: A cross-sectional analysis of preresidency publications among neurosurgery residents.

While the number of female physicians has increased since the 1970s, there continues to be a lack of female surgeons compared to their male counterparts, with the gender gap more prominent in surgical subspecialties such as neurosurgery. While surgical subspecialities have accelerated initiatives to close the gap, potential disparities in research opportunities may position women at a disadvantage, particularly in neurosurgery, where academic publications are an indicator of residency match success. In this paper, we sought to investigate whether gender disparities exist in preresidency neurosurgery publications among current neurosurgery residents. The present study selected residency programs from the top 25 neurology and neurosurgery hospitals in US News & World Report's 2022 Ranking. A database of neurosurgery residents and their publications was created using PubMed, neurosurgery residency program websites, and supplementary search. Articles published between the time of birth and December 31st of the year of graduation (medical degree) were used to determine publications before residency. Our research indicates that 25.7% (n = 135/526) of US neurosurgery residents at top 25 hospitals are women and 74.3% (n = 391/526) are men. Men (n = 391) had a median of 7 (interquartile range [IQR], 3-14.5; range, 0-129) publications before residency, and women (n = 135) had a median of 7 (IQR, 4-11.0; range, 0-74) publications before residency. There were no significant differences in the median number of publications between genders (p = 0.65). In conclusion, our research indicates there is no gender disparity in preresidency publications among neurosurgery residents. To improve women's representation in the field, further study is needed to better understand gender inequality among neurosurgeons, particularly in the earlier stages of medical training.

Gender Disparity and Self-Presentation on Social Media among AEC Industry Leaders

Gender Disparity and Self-Presentation on Social Media among AEC Industry Leaders

‘I am on Guard’: The Making of Race, Gender and Affect in Human-Dog Relations in South Africa

This article will analyse human-dog relations in the post-apartheid White South African suburbs to show how they operate in the production of racial and gendered difference. The analysis draws primarily on my experience as a White woman growing up in the suburbs and my work as a dog walker, as well as interviews with the owners of two dog day-cares in Cape Town. Given this locatedness, the article tracks the affective and biopolitical effects of human-dog relationality to consider how they work in the socio-spatial structuring of the White suburbs. To begin, it uses Donna Haraway’s understanding of relation across difference in interspecies ‘becoming’, augmenting this with Harlan Weaver and Sarah Ahmed’s respective theorisations of the work of affect between bodies. It outlines White discourses of fear around crime and security and describes the spatial organisation of the suburb, which informs dogs’ socialisation/enculturation with White people, and their hostility towards Black people. As such, suburban dogs become part of a racialised species kinship, in which they are cast as White people’s companions, while protecting private property and White bodies. Drawing on Ahmed and Fanon’s work on phenomenology, the paper considers how dogs reproduce the historico-racial schema so that Black subjects are made to feel vulnerable in White space. Finally, it looks at gendered racialised narratives of threat and the construction of White women as objects of protection in relation to the imagined threat of Black men. By analysing these modes of relation, this paper hopes to show how interconnectedness yields an ethical responsibility towards others, across differences of race and species.

Gender Differences in the Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Wistar Rats

This study aims to investigate the gender dimorphism in cadmium exposure on hematological parameters in male and female Wistar rats. Twenty Wistar rats (120g-150g) were divided into four groups: male control, male cadmium-treated, female control, and female cadmium-treated. Cadmium chloride (50 mg/kg) was administered orally to the experimental groups for 45 days. Hematological parameters were analyzed using an auto hematological analyzer. Data were statistically evaluated using two-way ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05. Cadmium exposure significantly increased white blood cell (WBC) counts in male rats compared to controls, with notable decrease in neutrophils and an increase in lymphocytes. Female rats showed significant increase in monocyte and basophil levels. Furthermore, red blood cell (RBC) parameters showed significant reductions in hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) in female cadmium-treated rats. No significant effects were observed on platelet count or distribution width in both male and female rats. The study concluded there are gender-specific hematological alterations due to cadmium exposure in Wistar rats. These findings underscore the need for gender-specific approach in the understanding and amelioration of cadmium toxicity.

Optional Exam Retakes Reduce Anxiety but may Exacerbate Score Disparities Between Students with Different Social Identities.

Use of high-stakes exams in a course has been associated with gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequities. We investigated whether offering students the opportunity to retake an exam makes high-stakes exams more equitable. Following the control value theory of achievement emotions, we hypothesized that exam retakes would increase students' perceived control over their performance and decrease the value of a single exam attempt, thereby maximizing exam performance. We collected data on exam scores and experiences with retakes from three large introductory biology courses and assessed the effect of optional exam retakes on gender, racial/ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in exam scores. We found that Black/African American students and those who worked more than 20 h a week were less likely to retake exams. While exam retakes significantly improved student scores, they slightly increased racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in scores partly because of these differences in participation rates. Most students reported that retake opportunities reduced their anxiety on the initial exam attempt. Together our results suggest that optional exam retakes could be a useful tool to improve student performance and reduce anxiety associated with high-stakes exams. However, barriers to participation must be examined and reduced for retakes to reduce disparities in scores.

Tooth Loss and Systemic Diseases in the Slovenian Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Associaton Between Oral and Systemic Health.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of edentulism and tooth loss in the Slovenian elderly population, along with the associated risk factors, and investigate the association between systemic and oral health. The study included 445 individuals aged 65 or older (average age: 79.7±8.9 years). Data on preserved teeth, dental history, chronic diseases, and medications were collected through clinical examinations. Height and weight were recorded in order to calculate body mass index (BMI), and the education level was also collected. Chronic systemic diseases and medications were categorized. Statistical analysis was conducted using linear regression and nonparametric tests. Participants had an average of 4.7±7.7 teeth, with no significant gender differences. Higher age (β=-0.185, p<0.001) and lower education level (p<0.001) were associated with fewer teeth, while higher BMI showed no correlation (β=-0.085, p=0.325). Diabetes mellitus (p=0.031), cardiovascular diseases (p=0.025), and thyroid diseases (p=0.043) were inversely related to retained teeth. This inverse relationship also applied to individuals who recovered from malignancies, not including head and neck malignancies (p=0.019). No significant relationship was found between osteoporosis and the number of teeth (p=0.573). Notably, antidiabetic drug use was inversely related to the number of teeth (p=0.004), while analgesics showed a positive relationship (p=0.022). This study highlights the association between specific sociodemographic factors, chronic diseases, and retained teeth among elderly individuals in Slovenia. High edentulism rates among the elderly emphasize the need for enhanced preventive measures and risk factor management, particularly for high-risk groups like the elderly.

The Impact of Family Functioning on Self-Esteem and Resilience Among Young Adults in the Southern Region of Bangladesh

Family functioning, such as family adaptability and family cohesion, is a crucial component of every individual’s life, can influence his/her self-esteem and resilience, acting as protective factors in the environment. The present study examined the impact of family functioning on self-esteem and resilience among university students in the southern region of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 400 students from four different universities situated at Gopalganj, Khulna, Barisal, and Jessore. Bangla version of Resilience Scale for Adults, Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale II, and Personal Information Form were used for data collection. Independent sample ‘t’ test revealed significant gender differences in family functioning; Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed significant positive relationship among family functioning, self-esteem and resilience; regression analysis showed both self-esteem and resilience can be predicted by family functioning. The results can inform efforts to strengthen family relationships and enhance communication within families. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(2): 87-95, 2024 (July)

53606 Gender differences in psychosocial impact of aging skin

53606 Gender differences in psychosocial impact of aging skin

Communication Preferences and Factors Predicting Smartphone Addiction Among Four Generations of Australians: Gender and Generational Differences

AbstractSmartphones are commonly used for socializing, entertainment, and information-seeking. However, excessive and problematic usage may lead to smartphone addiction, which is linked to cognitive and attentional deficits and mental health issues globally. Historically, age and gender have been found to influence smartphone usage. Furthermore, the relationship between communication preferences (via mobile-technology versus in-person) and usage, and addictive tendencies is understudied. Past research has seldom explored older age groups. This study investigates generational (“Gen-Z,” “Gen-X,” “Gen-Y,” and Baby-Boomers) and gender differences in smartphone usage, communication preferences, and factors predicting smartphone addiction scores (SAS). The study surveyed 894 adults aged 18–80 years to examine interpersonal communication preferences, daily hours of smartphone usage, and SAS. Participants were recruited via snowball sampling through digital and printed media. Daily hours of usage and SAS were closely related and shown to reduce after the age of 40 years. Generations “Z” and “Y” reported the highest daily use and scored higher in SAS than the older generations. Women scored higher in SAS than men in all generations except “Gen-X.” Age, hours of usage, and preference for mobile communication predicted SAS, but gender did not. Overall, people prefer to communicate with others in-person more than via mobile-technology. The findings identify significant generational and gender differences in daily usage, addiction scores, and communication preferences. Preference to communicate more via mobile-technology than in-person predicted SAS. Future research needs to investigate smartphone usage among all age groups and genders to clarify the risks and protective factors associated with smartphone addiction.

Gender Difference in the Onset of Adolescent Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-Lagged Panel Network Analysis.

Depressive symptoms are prevalent in adolescents, especially girls, underscoring the need for early detection and targeted interventions. Identifying initial symptoms and their temporal associations is vital for such interventions. This study used cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) analysis to examine the central depressive symptoms and their interconnections within a national cohort derived from the China Family Panel Study (CFPS). The participants included 2524 adolescents (45.8% girls), with depressive symptoms assessed using the Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-8) in 2016 (Mage = 12.30) and 2018 (Mage = 14.25). The CLPN model showed that "loneliness" and "not getting going (fatigue)" at T1 were the strongest predictors of subsequent depressive symptoms at T2, after controlling for demographic variables and depressive symptoms at T1. Conversely, depressed mood and anhedonia at T2 were most likely to be influenced by other symptoms at T1. Gender-stratified analyses identified "loneliness" as the initial symptom in girls and "fatigue" for boys. Additionally, girls exhibited stronger reciprocal associations among depressive symptoms than boys. The findings suggest that addressing interpersonal loneliness is crucial for adolescent girls, whereas somatic fatigue should be a focus for adolescent boys, highlighting the need for gender-specific approaches in early intervention strategies. This research provides insights into the distinct gendered networks of depressive symptomatology in adolescents, informing tailored prevention and intervention efforts.

Gender gap among plastic surgery residents: the Italian experience

Aim: Despite the significant increase in the proportion of graduating female physicians in recent decades, gender representation in surgical training remains imbalanced. The initial rise in female interest in plastic surgery has reached a plateau. Gender bias, affecting women’s confidence and opportunities, negatively impacts training and career prospects. This study aims to quantify and analyze disparities in surgical training opportunities, workplace treatment, and career advancement among male and female plastic surgery residents in Italy. Methods: Our study involved all Italian plastic surgery residents contacted between February and March 2024. A 21-item survey assessed professional, surgical, and personal aspects, focusing on gender gap differences. Responses were expressed in percentages and compared utilizing the Fisher Exact test. Results: A total of 551 surveys were distributed to Italian plastic surgery residents, with 46 responses each among women and men. Gender disparities persisted in workplace treatment, with more women reporting discrimination. Significant differences were identified in treatment inequality by hospital personnel and patients, the occurrence of inappropriate comments in the workplace, inquiries regarding work-life balance and career advancement opportunities, an augmented gender gap in surgical vs . clinical programs, and the perception of a negative impact of gender on surgical training. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study emphasizes the pervasive gender inequality in plastic surgery training, urging action against systemic biases hindering female surgeons’ progress. Gender equity efforts should combat discrimination, promote work-life balance, and foster inclusive training environments. Addressing these issues can create a field that empowers all surgeons to thrive.

Women’s Safety in Digital Space

This article explores the relationship between privacy concerns and women’s empowerment in the context of India’s growing Smart Cities Movement and prevalent smartphone use. Using feminist ideas and legal frameworks to address cyberbullying, online harassment, cyberfraud and misogyny, it addresses cybersecurity and data privacy issues. The study emphasises the value of gendered implications of urban security and participatory design principles in smart city efforts. It suggests examining cyberfeminism and highlights the need for women to take an active role in developing safe online environments. Findings point to weaknesses in the legal systems that exist today as well as the possibility that technological improvements will exacerbate gender disparity. Legislative mandates should be strengthened, gender gaps in digital literacy should be closed, gender-sensitive design should be incorporated into smart city initiatives and women working in activism and digital technology should be encouraged to collaborate.

Understanding and resolving student conflicts: Perspectives and strategies in senior high schools across the Volta Region of Ghana

AbstractThis study investigates the dynamics, sources, and resolution strategies of student conflicts in senior high schools across the Volta Region of Ghana. Despite the implementation of various conflict resolution and peer mediation programs, challenges in effectively managing student disputes remain prevalent. These conflicts often stem from interpersonal and academic tensions, exacerbated by a complex mix of socio‐cultural backgrounds, economic disparities, and personal beliefs. Our analysis reveals significant gender differences in conflict experiences and resolutions, highlighting the need for gender‐sensitive and culturally informed approaches. The study employed a quantitative research design, utilizing a structured questionnaire to gather data from a representative sample of 661 students. The findings indicate that interpersonal conflicts with peers and academic‐related issues are the most common, with conflicts involving violence and guns being comparatively rare. Gender‐specific differences were notable in responses to conflicts involving school administration and cultural or ethnic disparities. The research underscores the importance of adopting comprehensive, culturally sensitive conflict resolution programs that are tailored to the unique socio‐cultural and educational context of the Volta Region. By addressing these nuanced needs, the study aims to enhance the educational landscape and foster an atmosphere conducive to effective dispute resolution. The findings contribute to the discourse on implementing effective, culturally responsive conflict resolution mechanisms in Ghanaian senior high schools, advocating for strategies that support the holistic development of students.

Differences in wayfinding inclinations among women and men: a matter of personality and affect, not just gender

AbstractWomen report different levels of wayfinding inclinations than men. This study is an exploration of whether individual factors such as personality traits and affect can provide insights into the gender differences observed in wayfinding inclinations, such as in the attitudes toward exploring and spatial anxiety. The study involved 454 adults (271 women) who completed questionnaires on personality traits, affective state, attitudes toward exploring and spatial anxiety. Women reported lower positive attitudes toward exploring and higher spatial anxiety than men. Openness and positive affect were associated with positive attitudes toward exploring places in both genders whereas extraversion was associated with attitudes toward exploring places among men. Higher levels of extraversion were linked to lower spatial anxiety in both genders, higher levels of negative affect were associated with greater spatial anxiety among men, and lower levels of emotional stability were associated with greater spatial anxiety among women. Therefore, gender does not play a singular role in explaining differences in self-reported wayfinding inclinations. Instead, negative affect (at least for men) and low emotional stability (at least among women) tend to hinder such inclinations whereas openness and positive affect contribute to their promotion. These results provide insights into how the patterns of relationships among wayfinding inclinations, personality traits, and affect vary between men and women, with possible implications for assessment and intervention.

Women's Health across the Lifespan: A Sex- and Gender-Focused Perspective.

Women's health in physical therapy has historically focused on sexual and reproductive health. The biological and social constructs of sex and gender, respectively, are determinants of health, including pathophysiology of disease and therapeutic outcomes, and an expansion of the concept of "women's health" is warranted. This Perspective explores the role of sex and gender as key determinants of women's and girls' health and highlight factors pertinent to physical therapist practice. The Scale for the Assessment for Narrative Review Articles (SANRA), a 6-point assessment to evaluate the quality of narrative reviews, was used a priori and consulted throughout. Across the lifespan, sex- and gender-based health disparities exist. These include sex-based disparities in maternal-fetal outcomes linking female fetal sex to maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, along with a sex-based female advantage in birth outcomes and the emergence of gender differences in motor development. A complex interplay of biologic and socially influenced factors contribute to an increased care burden for women throughout adulthood and specific risks for the development of cardiovascular and pelvic floor conditions, decreased function, and increased disability. Sex- and gender-disaggregated data is lacking in outcomes literature. A sex- and gender-informed approach in physical therapy, including analyzing data by sex and gender, may better meet the needs of patients and better prepare physical therapist professionals to contribute to women's health across the lifespan. Success will take coordinated effort involving many stakeholders within and adjacent to the physical therapist community. The influence of sex and gender are lifelong determinants of health, making them critically important to consider in physical therapist practice, education, research, advocacy, and policy. In women's health, focusing on sexual and reproductive health is limiting and insufficient.

Exploring Female Agripreneurship: Insights from Grey Literature Using TCCM Framework

Women agripreneurs' expertise, abilities, and passion are some of the most effective strategies to improve their financial and social status. There is a wealth of systematic literature on women in entrepreneurship, as well as bibliometric reviews on women in entrepreneurship and sustainability. However, the systematic literature on women in agriculture or agribusiness on grey literature receives relatively little attention. The present study applies SPAR-4-SLR and TCCM frameworks to validate the research questions. Women frequently encounter disempowerment in terms of their participation, influence, and control over agricultural decision-making and income, which leads to the existence of gender disparity. Access to financial services could potentially reduce rural-to-urban migration by providing enhanced local economic opportunities. Suggestions provided for a supportive environment that values and respects the contributions of women in agriculture, facilitating the adoption of various technologies to break down barriers and reduce gender disparities. The investigation highlights the need for further research on the topics of female agripreneurship, female empowerment and digital technology, women's perspectives on technology and innovations in agriculture, and gender disparities in agripreneurship, all with the aim of achieving sustainable agriculture. The novelty of the study is the usage of the TCCM framework in the grey literature on women in agriculture and a proposed framework for technology-enhanced women's empowerment in agriculture.