The Demand-control-support model and health among women and men in similar occupations

The aim of the study was to investigate the main and the interaction effects of the demand-control-support (DCS) model on women’s and men’s health in a Swedish telecom company. According to the DCS model, work that is characterized by high demands, low decision latitude, and low support decreases health and well-being. Furthermore, control and support are assumed to interact in protecting against adverse health effects of stress. Earlier studies have failed to consider occupational status and gender simultaneously. Questionnaire data from 134 female and 145 male employees in similar occupations were collected. Correlational analysis supported the main effect hypotheses irrespective of gender. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that only demands predicted women’s health, whereas both demands and lack of social support predicted men’s health. However, no interaction effects were found for either women or men. Further studies should probe the relevance of the model while considering gender and occupational status.