Occupational stress and work satisfaction among Canadian women physicians

The present study examined relationships among occupational stress, job satisfaction, and various individual characteristics and job-related variables in a population of 303 women physicians. Analysis showed that time pressures and threat of malpractice litigation were sources of stress and that over-all satisfaction was related to satisfaction with both professional and social aspects of the job. Low satisfaction was related to wanting higher income, changes in practice procedures, and several stressors, such as time pressures. Stress and satisfaction were also related to attitudes toward health care. Women who experienced high stress and low satisfaction were more likely to have negative views of the functioning of the health care system. In addition, demographic and practice variables contributed to negative attitudes.