Traditional Gender Differences Create Gaps in the Effect of COVID-19 on Psychological Distress of Japanese Workers.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Japanese workers psychological distress through crises of health, economics, and social relationships. To assess whether these effects are amplified by the gender bias that exists in Japan, we examined male and female worker's psychological distress and difficulties during the pandemic. An online "COVID-19-related difficulties" questionnaire, based on item response theory, gathered responses from 3464 workers in October and November 2020. The workers' psychological distress was found concerned to be significantly worse than before the pandemic. Basic stressors related to infection anxiety, economic anxiety, and restrictions on social interactions and outings. Men's and women's experiences of difficulties were consistent with traditional gender roles in Japa

SUBMITTER: Kobayashi T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8391574 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature