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Can gender differences in psychosocial factors be explained by socioeconomic status?

Department of Health and Society, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden, elasj{at}ihs.liu.se

Margareta Kristenson

Department of Health and Society, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden

Aims: The aims of this study were to examine (1) if associations between gender and psychosocial factors could be explained by socioeconomic status (SES) and (2) if associations between gender and psychosocial factors are more salient at lower levels of SES. Methods: Psychosocial factors such as decision latitude and social integration were studied in a cross-sectional study in two steps. In a public health survey, 4,086 randomly selected men and women aged 30—64 participated. Of these, 257 men and women also participated in an in-depth study. SES was measured in terms of education and occupation. Linear regression models were used to test associations between gender, SES, and a broad range of psychosocial factors. Results: Women reported lower scale scores on decision latitude, coping, and self-esteem, as well as more job strain, depression, and vital exhaustion, while men reported more cynicism (all p<0.05). Observed gender differences were still significant after control for effect of education, while after control for occupational status the effect of gender was lost for decision latitude and job strain. Significant interaction factors were found between gender and educational status for psychological demands, decision latitude, social integration, coping, and hopelessness. Conclusions: Gender differences, found for a broad range of psychosocial factors, could not be explained by SES. However, associations between gender and psychosocial factors were more salient at lower levels of SES. Psychosocial factors, especially decision latitude and social integration, may help explain why women with low SES experience poorer health.

Key Words: Decision latitude • gender • health • psychosocial factors • social integration • socioeconomic status

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, Vol. 34, No. 1, 59-68 (2006)
DOI: 10.1080/14034940510006049


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