• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.114-119
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• 2015

Background: There has been considerable interest in Japanese society in the problem of work-related stress leading to depressive symptoms, and an increasing number of primary houseworkers maintain paid employment. The purpose of this study was to examine the differential impact of multiple roles associated with psychological distress among Japanese workers. Methods: We studied 722 men and women aged 18-83 years in a cross-sectional study. The K10 questionnaire was used to examine psychological distress. Results: The proportion of participants with psychological distress was higher in women (17.8%) compared with men (11.5%). Having three roles significantly decreased the risk of psychological distress [women: odds ratio (OR), 0.37-fold; men: OR, 0.41] compared with only one role. In working married women, there was significantly less psychological distress (OR, 0.27), and those with childrearing or caregiving responsibilities for elderly parents had significantly less psychological distress (OR, 0.38) than those with only an employment role. Similarly, working married men who had childrearing or caregiving responsibilities for elderly parents had significantly less psychological distress (OR, 0.41) than those who had only an employment role. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that participants who had only an employment role had an increased risk of psychological distress. The degree of psychological distress was not determined solely by the number of roles. It is important to have balance between work and family life to reduce role conflict and/or role submersion, which in turn may reduce the risk of psychological distress.

• Korean Medical Education Review
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.21-27
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• 2007

Even though 35% of Korean medical students are female, medical schools and hospitals maintain a strongly male-dominated culture which discourages female students from active career development. In 2006, Yonsei Medical school instigated an elective course entitled "Women in Medicine" to encourage and stimulate 51 female students who enrolled the course. Researchers conducted participant observations at all 6 lectures, as well as 2 surveys and 4 student fucus group discussions comprising a total of 18 students. The total satis faction r ate of the course was high at 4.6 points out of a 5-point score Nevertheless, the study results confirmed three conflict points between lectures and students. Firstly, the lecturers emphasized the excellence and carrier-goal oriented life style, whereas most students are more interested in an ordinary women doctor's life. Secondly, the lecturers emphasized the importance of husband and family's support for success in their career but most female students have little confidence in their ability to achieve a balance between work and family. Thirdly, the lecturers emphasized the women doctor who is able to lead a team effectively, but women students have few opportunities to play a leadership role in their school life. These study findings imply that there is a generation gap in the concept of "successful women doctor's life" between lecturers and students. and that interactive dialogue between lecturer and students is more important than lecture style presentations from extremely successful female doctors. In addition to such lectures, a leadership program based on active student participation should be developed.