Women, work, and health: employment as a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

Employment as such does not appear to be a risk factor for coronary heart disease and may in fact have a beneficial effect on health. Although there is at present a paucity of reliable data, several key points emerge. In general, working women are in better health than homemakers or unemployed women. Single and married working women are apparently in better health than are divorced, separated, or widowed women. Among working women perception of control over the job environment may be a more important predictor of risk than level of job stress. Health appears to be compromised most among women who perceive little control over their lives. Although multiple social roles of wife, mother, and employee seem to enhance health, too much intensity in any one role may be detrimental.