Occupationally Stressed Women

In 1992, the Northwestern National Life Insurance Company in Minneapolis polled 1,299 full-time employees at a random sample of U.S. companies and found women experienced much more job stress than men. Women were more likely than men to suffer from a serious stress-related illness (41 percent versus 26 percent). Job burnout was reported by 36 percent of the women, compared with 28 percent of the men. Single mothers were among the most stressed members of the work force. The three top sources of job stress, according to another survey of working women, were: a major job change in the past year (this includes a new job, new location, new tasks, or a new boss); work overload (such as more than can possibly be finished in an ordinary day); pay inequality (Wein 121).

The same survey found that the balance between work and family life was a source of dissatisfaction for 25 percent of women in the high-stress group, a complaint made by only four percent of the less-stressed workers. Additionally, among the high-

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ever, that not only the affected employee suffers. The organization suffers as well. In professions where men and women have obtained some equality, such as in medicine--a stressful occupation to begin with--stress level still depends on gender. Male and female physicians perceive different things as stressors. In matters, such as how to diagnose and treat, the sexes are remarkably similar; they go through the same medical school and job training. However, the long hours of the profession bother women the most, as does the career-family conflict. Men only have to deal with the doctor-patient relationship (Stress 10). Women physicians are still more involved with child care than their male counterparts. Also, as a minority in the profession, women feel pressure to perform well, while simultaneously trying to be perfect wives and mothers. Many make sacrifices, usually in their career; female physicians work part-time more often, and pick less demanding specialties. Relationships with patients stress male physicians more, especially lately, as the power shifts away from physicians. Patients no longer see them as all-knowing. Male doctors feel like their expertise is being questioned. Women never even define the docto
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Approximate Word count = 2872
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page)

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