Social Roles and Health Trends of American Women

Contrary to popular belief, having the triple social roles of employee, spouse, and parent is linked with the best physical health for American women. Data from the National Health Interview Survey from the mid-1960s and the late 1970s also suggest a pronounced decline in health status for women with few roles; but causal and selective factors between role and health can only be postulated at the moment. The trends indicate that despite added pressures for women with multiple roles, increasing labor force participation has had a positive impact on health.

Author(s): Lois M. Verbrugge; Jennifer H. Madans

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Volume 63, Issue 4 (pages 691–735)
Published in 1985