2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

The Woman Who Cried Pain

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Nichole Lasich

Abstract

Gender disparities in pain management represent a critical healthcare equality issue which potentially affects treatment outcomes for half the population. This study examines whether systematic gender disparities exist in treatment, and diagnostic approaches for women as patients. Through a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed journals and studies found on scientific databases, this research investigates patterns of differential care based on gender. Anticipated findings suggest women receive inadequate analgesic treatment and face diagnostic bias toward psychological rather than physiological explanations for their pain symptoms. Additionally, women are expected to be dismissed during medical encounters and receive fewer pain medications for medical procedures compared to male patients. If confirmed, these disparities between genders affect healthcare outcomes in a large part of the world’s population, highlighting systemic inequities that demand immediate attention and reform in clinical practice. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence documenting gender bias in healthcare and provides a foundation for developing more equitable pain management protocols.

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