Gender and ethnic/racial diversity in clinical neuropsychology: Updates from the AACN, NAN, SCN 2020 practice and “salary survey”

Abstract

Objective

Examination of gender and diversity issues within clinical neuropsychology, using data from the 2020 professional practice and “salary survey.”

Methods

Clinical neuropsychologists in the U.S. and Canada were invited to participate in an online survey. The final sample consisted of 1677 doctoral-level practitioners.

Results

Approximately, 60% of responding neuropsychologists are women and 53.8% of those women identify as early career psychologists (ECPs). Conversely, a majority of men in the sample are advanced career psychologists (ACPs). Both genders work predominantly in institutions, but more men than women work in private practice. ACP men produce a greater number of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Across all work settings, women earn significantly less than men, and are less satisfied with their incomes. Establishing and maintaining family life is the biggest obstacle to attaining greater income and job satisfaction for both genders. Ethnic/racial minority status was identified in 12.9% of respondents, with 59.2% being ECPs. Job satisfaction and hostility in the workplace vary across ethnic/racial minority groups. Hispanic/Latino(a) and White neuropsychologists report higher incomes, but there were no statistically significant differences between any of the groups.

Conclusions

Income and select practice differences persist between female and male neuropsychologists. There is a slow rate of increased ethnic/racial diversity over time, which is much more apparent among early career practitioners. Trajectories and demographics suggest that the gender income gap is unlikely to be improved by the next survey iteration in 2025, whereas it is very likely that ethnic/racial diversity will continue to increase gradually.

Keywords:

• Gender
• diversity
• salary
• professional practice
• neuropsychology

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, and the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (Division 40 of the APA), for their financial support and assistance in recruiting survey participants. We also extend our gratitude to the numerous additional regional, state, and local neuropsychology organizations which assisted in recruiting participants, particularly the International Neuropsychological Society, the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology, and the NPSYCH listserv. Finally, we offer a special thank you to all of the respondents who allocated time to participate.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no potential conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The majority of financial support for the 2020 survey was provided equally by the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, and the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (Division 40 of the American Psychological Association). Additional funding was provided by the American Psychological Association Office of HealthCare Finance.