Well-being of Japanese women in midlife: An investigation of work engagement, purpose in life, and psychosomatic health

Abstract

Cross-sectional associations among work engagement, purpose in life, and psychosomatic health of Japanese women in midlife were investigated. A web-based survey was conducted with married women aged 40–60 years (n=756). Sociodemographic variables, marital satisfaction, work engagement, purpose in life, and psychosomatic health (which is indicated by anxiety, depressive mood, autonomic symptoms, and fatigue) were assessed. Results indicated that age, household income, communal/social activities, and marital satisfaction significantly predicted work engagement. Women in their 50's showed higher work engagement than those in their 40's, and mothers reported higher work engagement than childless women. Moreover, women managers demonstrated higher work engagement than non-managerial employees and part-time employees. Structural equation modeling indicated that work engagement predicted purpose in life, which, in turn, was negatively associated with psychosomatic ill-being. In conclusion, women in midlife who have higher work engagement are more likely to be older, have children, be happier in marriage, be more socially active, and be in managerial positions. Further, higher work engagement might promote higher purpose in life and potentially lead to preventing psychosomatic ill-being.