Executive women and health: perceptions and practices

The purpose of this study was to obtain a socioeconomic/health profile of a select group of executive women, to understand more about their personal and professional lives, and to examine how these factors relate to their overall health. The data were obtained from a self-administered 73-item questionnaire that was mailed during spring 1987 to the 1,000 members of a professional executive women's organization with 15 chapters across the United States. Findings suggest that the women in executive positions do not necessarily compromise their health. In comparison with a group of age/gender/education matched working women, the overall wellness and risk assessment scores were remarkably similar. The study group, however, reported greater life satisfaction, stronger social support, and excellent health status; the overwhelming majority was satisfied with their personal and professional lives and believed that they were in control of both. This perception, coupled with the relatively high wellness scores, suggests that on average this group of executives may be in better health than had been predicted as women rose to executive positions within organizations.