The health of women in paid employment: effects of quality of work role, social support and cynicism on psychological and physical well-being.

The possible benefits of the workplace experience for women were examined in terms of four determinants; rewards and concerns intrinsic to the job, rewards and concerns extrinsic to the job, social support and cynicism as a measure of attitude. Benefits were identified in terms of three psychological well-being measures: self-esteem, depression and quality of life and in terms of one physical well-being measure: symptomatology. Data were obtained from one hundred and twenty Canadian women in managerial or professional occupations and in clerical-type occupations. Analyses consisted of correlations and hierarchical multiple regression. Intrinsic factors were generally related to psychological well-being while extrinsic factors were more closely associated with physical health. Findings with regard to the beneficial effects of social support in the workplace were not specific, however a cynical attitude can influence the value of the work role, with effects being particularly marked in the clerical group. Because of its relationship with health, it is recommended that cynicism is included in future women's studies.