The overall picture is of a prevailing academic culture that provides inadequate direction and mentoring for women, thereby eroding their self-confidence. In the first years of the program, women Ph.D. students experience the entire range of disorientation delineated in the Srole anomie scale: (1) the perception that community leaders are indifferent to one's needs; (2) the perception that little can be accomplished in the society which is seen as unpredictable; (3) the perception that life-goals are receding from reach rather than being realized; (4) a sense of futility; and (5) the conviction that one cannot count on personal associates for social and psychological support.

In addition, the individual is left with the feeling that it is she who is to blame, and this exacts a severe psychic toll including doubts about competency that prevent the successful working through of problems as they arise. It is not surprising that half of the informants revealed having sought personal psychological counseling during this period.

Isolation also creates powerlessness, loneliness, and confusion which, in many cases, leads to dropping out.