Predicting Physical and Psychological Well-Being Among Women Workers: A Relational Perspective

Drawing from Psychology of Working Theory (Duffy et al., 2016) and Relational Theory of Working (Blustein, 2011), the present study explored work as a social determinant of health among women workers. With a sample of 292 U.S. women workers and using latent structural equation modeling, we tested a model predicting physical and psychological well-being from sexist workplace climate as mediated by workplace dignity and relational need satisfaction. Results indicated that workplace climate directly predicted workplace dignity and indirectly predicted social contribution and relatedness need satisfaction. Additionally, relatedness and social contribution need satisfaction mediated the link from workplace dignity to physical and psychological well-being. Findings have implications for policymakers and practitioners seeking to support women in physical and psychological well-being by promoting a positive workplace climate and promoting the satisfaction of women’s needs at work.