A Comparison of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Amongst Male and Female Clinical Laboratory Leaders

This study examined the potential relationship between male and female emotional disparities -- specifically depression, anxiety, and stress -- in clinical laboratory leaders. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to determine levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in 16 male and 16 female clinical laboratory leaders at two laboratory sites in Long Island, NY. Through univariate ANOVA tests, the research evaluated if there are significant differences in mental health outcomes between female and male leaders in clinical laboratory settings. The results demonstrated that female leaders experienced significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to their male counterparts; no significant difference was found for stress. These findings highlight the unique psychological challenges faced by female leaders in clinical settings and emphasize the need for supportive workplace structures to address the mental health impact of leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated fields.