Multiple role demands, mind-body distress disorders, and illness-related absenteeism among business and professional women.

Abstract

As women progressively enter the workplace, they are becoming more susceptible to psychophysiological distress, and the strain of meeting multiple role demands could adversely affect their health and health‐seeking behavior. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the incidence of mind‐body distress disorders and absence from work due to illness among business and professional women. Data from 103 women self‐identified as employed in the business and professional sectors were obtained via questionnaire. The results of the study indicated that all of the women were experiencing mind‐body distress disorders. For the variables of interest, there were no statistically significant differences across the marital groups: single; married; separated/widowed or divorced (SWD). However, the presence and number of children at home had significant effects on the days spent in bed due to illness and the reasons for consulting health providers for the SWD groups. The findings of the study suggest that multi...