Work Status, Work Satisfaction, and Blood Pressure Among Married Black and White Women

Abstract

This study examined blood pressure levels of married women in relation to such work-related variables as work load, satisfaction with work, reported strain, and evaluated performance. The major findings were: (a) Differences in work load were unrelated to blood pressure levels. However, currently unemployed working women had lower levels. (b) Housewives reporting tension about housework and being critical of own performance had higher blood pressure. (c) Working wives with a strong commitment to the work role had higher blood pressure levels, as did those women who were relatively low on indicators of job achievement.