Chloe Woodling | Resilience and Attrition of Women in Male Dominated STEM Occupations

Gender disparities in occupation may greatly have to do with attrition rates of women in male-dominated STEM fields. These attrition rates may be due to sexism, perception of ability, and other various stressors associated with being in male-dominated occupations. It is important to understand differences between women who stay in STEM and those who leave to assist in addressing the gender gap in STEM occupations. Previous research has found that individuals with high levels of resilience are more likely to cope well with various adversities. Based on these findings, it is hypothesized that women with STEM degrees working in male-dominated STEM occupations will have higher levels of resilience than women with STEM degrees working in non-STEM occupations. By determining whether resilience is a protective factor for women in STEM, we may be able to begin building resilience level from a young age. A preliminary independent samples t-test revealed that there is no significant difference in resilience levels between women with male-dominated STEM degrees working in STEM versus women with male-dominated STEM degrees working in non-STEM. For the rest of data collection, the PI will be working toward recruiting more women in non-STEM fields as the number of women in male-dominated STEM is much greater.

Faculty Mentors: Dr. Thomas Holtgraves & Dr. Katie M. Lawson

Department of Psychological Science

Graduate