Gender Differences in Job Stress and Depression of Service Workers

Lee, Bokim

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted to estimate the job stress and depression of female and male service workers and to determine the predictors influencing depression. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, the data were collected from hotel, wholesale, and insurance companies. A total of 244 workers were recruited. Among them, 118 were female workers. A self-administered questionnaire was consisted of personal characteristics, job stress, daily life stress, social support, and depression. Depression was measured using a CES-D Korean version. RESULT: The average job stress of female workers was higher than that of male workers (P<.05). The average depression scores of female workers were higher than those of male workers, but the difference was not statistically significant. Multiple regression analysis showed that role conflict and low social support were significant predictors of depression in female workers. In male workers, role conflict, low social support, and under-utilization of abilities were significant predictors of depression.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that depression of service workers may be prevented by creating a workplace environment that focuses on role conflict and social support. Also, health providers should consider the vulnerability of working women to job stress.