Stereotyped beliefs about male and female OB-GYNS: relationship to provider choice and patient satisfaction.

BACKGROUND

Up to 60% of women prefer a female obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), perhaps in part due to holding negative stereotypes of male providers. However, provider gender stereotypes have not been directly examined. The purpose of the current studies was to evaluate women's stereotypes of male and female OB-GYN providers and the impact of these stereotypes on provider evaluations.

METHODS

First, stereotypes of male and female OB-GYNs were elicited from 96 undergraduate women who described the attributes and behaviors of a typical male or female OB-GYN. Next, 126 undergraduate women were randomized to review recordings depicting male or female OB-GYNs engaging in male or female-stereotype congruent behaviors during a well-woman visit.

RESULTS

Participants overall had positive stereotypes of female OB-GYNs (e.g. knowledgeable, easy to talk to) but some negative stereotypes of males (e.g. unable to fully understand women's health issues). However, male and female OB-GYNs who engaged in female stereotype-congruent behaviors were similarly preferred over providers who engaged in male-stereotype congruent behavior.

CONCLUSION

Women generally regard female OB-GYNs as highly competent, whereas some believe that being male is a disadvantage in providing OB-GYN care. However, providers who engage in behaviors associated with high quality care are evaluated positively, regardless of the provider's gender.