[Female psychiatrists in films: origin and evolution of a gender-specific character stereotype (1935-2020)].

Abstract

Background: In the medical world women have taken on a steadily increasing role over the last decades and are now numerically superior to men in many specialized fields. In this context psychiatry is no exception. As cinematics always reflect social developments, this fact raises the question of whether the representation of female psychiatrists in films and series takes this trend into account.

Methods: Film productions presenting female psychiatrist characters were systematically identified by means of a targeted search in relevant databases and a supplementary literature search. In addition, pertinent film examples up to the twenty-first century were analyzed.

Objective: The focus is on research questions relevant to social, medical and film history: Does the image of screen psychiatrists correspond to reality? Are stereotypes served or initiated? How does the portrayal differ from the male counterpart?

Results and conclusion: The exemplary examination of 18 films and 1 series reveals the early emergence of a gender-specific character cliché which is still influential today: the female psychiatrist as an empathic, sensitive and emotionally active doctor who can make a successful career by virtue of these character traits but who is also emotionally and socially marginalized as a result. A chronologically structured analysis not only reveals social contexts of this stereotype but also shows mechanisms of media transmission. Reflecting on this distorted image in professional settings can help to recognize and specifically address media-induced reservations in patients.