The Psychophysiology of Workload, Stress, and Health: Comparison Between the Sexes

Abstract A biopsychosocial framework is presented for the experimental study of interactions between environmental demands, stress, and health. Physiological responses to the psychosocial environment reflect the cognitive and emotional impact on the individual and serve as “early warnings” of long-term health risks. Research on the release of catecholamines and Cortisol in response to different psychosocial demands is interpreted in terms of the author's activity-affect model of stress. It is argued that neuroendocrine correlates (e.g. the catecholamine/cortisol ratio) of activity vs. passivity and positive vs. negative affect are potent determinants of health outcomes. The role of personal control as a mediator of positive affect is emphasized. A review of studies of catecholamine reactivity over the past two decades shows that sex differences have decreased markedly—an increasing proportion of women are reacting to achievement demands as strongly as men. The increasing similarity between the sexes on the physiological level reflects the increasing similarity in men's and women's roles. Possible adverse health consequences of women's multiple roles and heavy total workload are considered in the light of new epidemiological data. Special attention is given to potential health risks for women in managerial positions, who have a particularly heavy workload and tend to “unwind” slowly after work.