A study on feminine gender role stressors among female workers: Development of a gender role stressor scale for women and examining demographic differences

Abstract

A scale for assessing gender role stressors in women, which was defined as negative experiences unique to women was developed, and its reliability and validity were examined. Results indicated adequate reliability and validity of the scale. Then, demographic differences in gender role stressors in female workers were investigated. Results indicated a three-factor solution: ‘gender roles of Women at work’, ‘gender roles of women in daily life’, and ‘gender roles of women at home’. Examining the scale items suggested that perceptions about gender roles of women are changing, but remain deeply embedded. Moreover, significant individual differences in women's gender role stressors resulting from the type of employment, job title, and marital status were observed. It is suggested that mental health, as well as the overall well-being of women including their physical and social health and self-actualization needs, should be considered to help female workers continue working for extended periods.