CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Projects In-Progress
A Quantitative Look at Medical Gaslighting – Its Prevalence and Effects
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Biology/Pre-Medical; Psychology
Minor
Chemistry
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Psychology/Applied Behavior Analysis
2nd Student Minor
Human Development and Learning
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Esther Malm, PhD.
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of medical gaslighting and its effect on patients, which is an underdeveloped and burgeoning area of research. Medical gaslighting is the dismissal/minimization of symptoms or disease and disregard of patient input due to provider knowledge gaps, implicit biases, or medical paternalism. Current literature theorizes that certain populations will experience medical gaslighting at a higher prevalence than others. Research also predicts that higher rates of medical gaslighting may be correlated with medical anxiety. Medical anxiety is the feeling of intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear when interacting with healthcare providers and the medical system. We hypothesize that (1) traditionally marginalized groups, such as non-whites, women, and those with misunderstood health conditions, will be more likely to experience medical gaslighting and, in turn, (2) will also be more likely to exhibit medical anxiety. Our study utilizes a survey to examine 61 participants from Murray State University for presentation at Scholar's Week, but data collection is still ongoing.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
A Quantitative Look at Medical Gaslighting – Its Prevalence and Effects
The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of medical gaslighting and its effect on patients, which is an underdeveloped and burgeoning area of research. Medical gaslighting is the dismissal/minimization of symptoms or disease and disregard of patient input due to provider knowledge gaps, implicit biases, or medical paternalism. Current literature theorizes that certain populations will experience medical gaslighting at a higher prevalence than others. Research also predicts that higher rates of medical gaslighting may be correlated with medical anxiety. Medical anxiety is the feeling of intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear when interacting with healthcare providers and the medical system. We hypothesize that (1) traditionally marginalized groups, such as non-whites, women, and those with misunderstood health conditions, will be more likely to experience medical gaslighting and, in turn, (2) will also be more likely to exhibit medical anxiety. Our study utilizes a survey to examine 61 participants from Murray State University for presentation at Scholar's Week, but data collection is still ongoing.