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First published September 2005

The role of gender in workplace stress: a critical literature review

Kristina Gyllensten and Stephen PalmerView all authors and affiliations
Volume 64, Issue 3
https://doi.org/10.1177/001789690506400307

Abstract

Objective The aim of this review was to evaluate research relating to the role of gender in the level of workplace stress. A further aim was to review literature relating to stressors of particular relevance to working women. These stressors included, multiple roles, lack of career progress and discrimination and stereotyping.
Design Systematic review.
Method Major databases were searched in order to identify studies investigating gender and workplace stress. A range of research designs were included and no restrictions were made on the basis of the occupations of the participants.
Results Much of the research indicated that women reported higher levels of stress compared to men. However, several studies reported no difference between the genders. Furthermore, the evidence for the adverse effects of multiple roles, lack of career progress and discrimination and stereotyping was inconsistent.
Conclusion The current review concluded that the evidence regarding the role of gender in workplace stress and stressors was inconsistent. Limitations of the research were highlighted and implications for practice were discussed.

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Published In

Volume 64, Issue 3
Pages: 271 - 288
Article first published: September 2005
Issue published: September 2005

Keywords

  1. workplace stress
  2. gender
  3. stressors

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Authors

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Kristina Gyllensten
Doctorate student, Department of Psychology, City University
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Stephen Palmer
Honorary Professor of Psychology, City University, London
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