The influence of gender on student willingness to engage in peer physical examination: the practical implications of feminist theory of body image.
BACKGROUND
Previous research has consistently found a relationship between students' attitudes towards peer physical examination (PPE) and their gender. Male students are more comfortable with PPE than females and students are more comfortable with same- rather than mixed-gender PPE. Despite these findings, previous research has not discussed the gender-attitude relationship in any meaningful depth.


OBJECTIVE
This discussion paper examines why a relationship exists between student attitudes towards PPE and student gender using insights from feminist body image theory.


CONCLUSIONS
According to the feminist theory of objectified body consciousness, females experience their bodies differently from males. Females may be less comfortable with PPE because they have higher levels of body shame and body surveillance than males. They may also be more likely than males to fear critical and teasing comments and sexual objectification by the opposite sex.


CONCLUSIONS
Capitalizing on what we already know about psychoeducational and activism approaches to the prevention and change of negative body image, I recommend that body image issues are discussed as part of students' PPE and professionalism programmes. Further research is needed to examine medical students' body image alongside their attitudes towards PPE.
Centre for Innovation in Professional Health Education and Research (CIPHER), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. crees@med.usyd.edu.au
Charlotte E
CE
Rees
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001828:Body Image; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D019513:Feminism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010379:Peer Group; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000523:psychology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*