Status of Professional Couples in Psychology ∗

Abstract

Biographic data from the 1958 and 1973 APA membership directories provide information on the status of professional couples in psychology. The “professional couple syndrome” is examined as well as myths surrounding explanations of the greater success of husbands. Changes over the fifteen-year period are presented for chronological age, professional age, status of degree-granting institution, current employer, status of employer if an academic institution, and current position. Findings show the couples are remarkably similar in all characteristics except one: Husbands hold higher positions than their wives. This finding persists even among couples who graduated from the same university in the same year and are employed at the same institution. Evidence of discrimination is clear for 1958. Although wives made progress by 1973, the effects of sexism are still present. Data from several studies of APA membership indicate the couples are similar to other psychologists. Women psychologists continue to occupy lower and nonsupervisory positions.