Women’s healthcare providers: Work factors, personality, and stress

• Victoria A. Farrow

  University of California, San Diego

• Anthony Ahrens

  American University

• Kathleen C. Gunthert

  American University

• Jay Schulkin

  University of Washington

We assessed neuroticism, perceived stress, and work-related factors among obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns), and examined the relationships between these variables. Surveys were sent to 500 physician members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and we received 287 (57.4%) completed responses. Analyses included descriptive statistics and linear regressions. Ob-gyns reported high levels of perceived stress. After controlling for neuroticism, variables that significantly predicted stress levels included average hours worked, perception of working too many hours, colleague support for work–home balance, isolation due to gender/cultural differences, and perception of workplace control. Because these work-related factors are linked to stress even when controlling for neuroticism, administrators and physicians may consider whether any of these factors are modifiable to mitigate physician stress. This in turn may affect physicians’ own health and the quality of care patients receive.

1. Victoria A. Farrow, University of California, San Diego
   Department of Psychiatry
2. Anthony Ahrens, American University
   Department of Psychology
3. Kathleen C. Gunthert, American University
   Department of Psychology
4. Jay Schulkin, University of Washington
   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

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