Incidence of stress-related disorders among American and Brazilian men and women.
Cross-cultural differences in physical and emotional responses to stressors are reported in this study. Among professionals (e.g., managers, supervisors), the incidence of stress-related disorders can have remarkable impact upon organizational performance as well as personal well-being. In order to study the relationship of nationality and gender to stress-related disorders, 148 American and 180 Brazilian professionals completed a questionnaire asking them to identify their unique responses to occupational stressors. Statistical analysis indicated that significant differences exist between the responses based upon both nationality and gender. Specifically, Americans reported a significantly higher incidence of allergies and irritable bowel syndrome, while Brazilians reported a higher incidence of Raynaud's syndrome (major manifestations are cold hands/feet). The males reported a higher incidence of high blood pressure and TMJ dysfunction/bruxism (a major manifestation is teeth grinding), while the females reported a higher incidence of tension headaches. The results are discussed in comparison to other cross-cultural and cross-gender studies with similar outcomes.
Sime
W E
WE
University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Rossi
A M
AM
Lubbers
C A
CA
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*; D014481:United States