Date of Award

Fall 8-1-2006

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Michael Murphy

Second Advisor

June Sprock

Third Advisor

Paul K. Bolinsky

Abstract

Income differences between men and women psychologists in independent practice have long been noted. Some have suggested that the differences result from the traditional gender roles in household responsibilities and/or gender differences in career decisions have resulted in men and women pursuing different career paths and making different practice decisions that lead to differing incomes. Others explanations regarding income differences suggest that men work more, charge more, and adapt more efficient practice models that reduce overhead. However, no studies have investigated these hypotheses in relation to the practice patterns of independent practitioners. The current study investigated several hypotheses about factors accounting for income differences between men and women including fees collected, hours spent in direct service provision, and overhead expenses. Further hypotheses were proposed concerning factors accounting for differences between men and women on those variables. These hypotheses were examined by surveying 1000 men and women psychologists who were members of the APA and were employed in independent practice. Of the 226 respondents, 91 were men (40.3%) and 135 were women (59.7%). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to compare men and women respondents on all interval and ratio data. Chi-square analyses examined gender differences in practice type and practice position. Stepwise regressions were conducted to examine the ability of the proposed variables to predict variance in income, weekly hours in direct service provision, standard hourly fee collected for individual adult psychotherapy, and overhead. As predicted, men reported earning significantly greater income. Also as predicted, men spent more weekly hours in direct service provision. Contrary to what was predicted, there were no gender differences in fees or overhead. Consistent with what was predicted, men reported spending less time than women in household responsibilities. Men also reported being able to work longer hours than women. Implications and limitations of the findings are discussed.

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