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Economy especially
stressful for women
(December
2008 Issue)
By Phyllis Hanlon
The American Psychological Association (APA) recently released
the findings from its 2008 Stress in America survey. Not surprisingly,
the data reveals the current economic situation as the top stressor.
But while men are concerned about their ability to provide adequately
for their families, women report elevated stress levels in several
areas related to the economy.
According to the report, 83 percent of women claim to be stressed
about money vs. 78 percent of men. Women also cite higher levels
of stress than men regarding housing costs (66 percent vs. 58 percent)
and health problems affecting their families (70 percent vs. 63
percent). Furthermore, women demonstrate more physical and emotional
symptoms than men because of these stressors.
Rachel Gaillard Smook, Psy.D, a psychologist in private practice
in Northborough, Mass., says that there is no clear-cut answer for
these findings. One explanation could be the traditional role of
primary caretaker that many women still assume. "Working women do
most of the childcare and housework," she says. In addition to the
double burden of work and family responsibilities, women exhibit
an "instinctive protectiveness as a mother," according to Smook.
While stress is a "physiologically sound response," in times of
chronic stress, that reaction becomes overactive, she says.
Women manifest stress as illness, fatigue and/or sleep difficulties.
"Their immune systems are compromised so they are susceptible to
viruses," she says. Additionally, women may isolate themselves
during stressful times. "Relationally, they have difficulty making
connections, maintaining partnerships and managing their kids,"
says Smook. "It's also harder to access social relationships."
The APA's survey also reports that "work is a significant source
of stress for Boomers, i.e., those ages 44 to 62, and the financial
crisis is having a greater impact on older generations." Women may
be on shaky fiscal ground because of fewer years in the workforce,
according to Smook. Time away from work during the childbearing/rearing
years means smaller retirement savings. "Some women who are anticipating
leaving the workforce can't," she says. "Many women, especially
those nearing retirement, are coming in with depression."
When the APA considered regional differences, the Northeast topped
the list. Seventy-one percent of people in the Northeast express
concern for family responsibilities and health problems. Smook
says, "In the Northeast, the cost of living is high. Housing, food
and fuel costs are high. We rely less on locally grown food products.
Everything we have has to be shipped in. And, as a major commuter
area, we have to drive long distances to get to work."
To combat economy-related stress, Smook advises women to maintain
their social connections. "Talking, laughing and being heard is
very important to women," she says. Social settings that afford
the opportunity to connect with other women are critical to reducing
stress. Some women are "digging in" and returning to basics. "Instead
of doing activities that cost money, they are doing something free,"
she says. "The silver lining here is that the quality of family
interaction has increased. There is no focus on buying things.
The focus is on using what you have."
Smook expresses concern that women who need help most are the least
likely to get it. "Treatment goes to people in the best shape financially.
The difficulty of not having access to treatment is that it undermines
everything about a woman's life and function in all the roles she
plays," she says. "Unresolved anxiety can set you up for worse problems.
This has the potential to become a social health crisis. Ultimately
this will cost the whole country more."
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