Journal of Psychiatry and Psychological Sciences

ABSTRACT

In the present study an attempt was made to examine the relationship between Societal Gender Expectations, Workplace Stress and Mental Health (Depression, Anxiety, Life Satisfaction, loss of behavioral/emotional control, general positive affect, and emotional ties) in middle adulthood in various professions. Firstly, it was hypothesized that there would be a positive relationship between Societal Gender Expectation and Workplace Stress. Second, it was hypothesized that there would be a negative relationship between Workplace Stress and Mental Health. Thirdly, it was hypothesized that there would be more Societal Gender Expectation and Mental problems in females than males. Moreover, it was hypothesized that there would be more work stress in females compared to males. Fourthly, it was hypothesized that Societal Gender Expectation and Workplace Stress are likely to be strong predictors of Mental Health. A sample of 100 employees, n=50 men and n=50 women in Middle Adulthood (35-50 age) working in Various Professions was selected. A purposive convenience sampling technique was used. The assessments were the tools gender role beliefs scale GBRS, the Work Stress Questionnaire WSQ and Mental Health Inventory (MHI-38) [1]. The data was analyzed by using descriptive analysis, and multiple regression was used to assess the relationship between societal gender expectations, workplace stress, and Mental Health. Workplace stress significantly predicted Mental Health (β = -0.66, R² = .464, p < .001), while societal gender expectations did not independently predict Mental Health (p = .876). An independent sample t- test had been conducted to compare the Mental Health outcomes between men and women. It is recommended that organizations implement gender-sensitive policies and Mental Health support programs to reduce workplace stress, particularly for women.

Keywords: Societal Gender Expectations; Gender Role; Gender Norms; Workplace Stress; Work Stress and Mental Health (ANX, DEP, LEBC, GPE, ET, LS)