Relieving stress of working women with social work intervention: Study
| Date :31-Jan-2020 |
Madhavi Varaprasad Peddada
By Ajay Mardikar :
Women have proved to be at par with men in almost all the fields. With the opening of doors of education, they have been striving for their economic independence at a very fast pace. However, with this pace the working women also are confronted with huge stress. Even with increasing economic independence and support to the family, they have to perform important traditional role in the family. Stress related to domestic work and at work place or profession is leading to several health problems - both physical and mental. Madhavi Varaprasad Peddada has studied in depth this issue and has been awarded PhD by Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University.
The subject of her research was ‘The nature, extent and causes of stress among the working women in Nagpur City: A study on social work intervention for prevention and control’. The research was carried out under the guidance of Dr Keshav Patil, Principal of Tirpude College of Social Work, Nagpur. Madhavi has recorded that almost all working women prefer family to relieve their stress. The support and understanding of family members is important.
With preference to nuclear family over joint family system, the strength of absorbing stress within the family is diminishing. Besides family they expect government to frame policy to sort out their problems and also the employer to work out strategies to enhance their productivity and efficiency and maintain positive atmosphere. In the cut-throat competition it is difficult to expect several of this expectations to be fulfilled. The researcher has also mentioned certain methods by which the working women can keep themselves fit and in a positive state of mind.
The methods include delegation of domestic work, physical and mental relaxation through exercise and music. She has also mentioned need for social work intervention for guiding the working women facing stress. Some of the findings and recommendations have been mentioned in this part of the report.
Major findings and recommendations
Almost all working women want their family and manager to intervene in controlling and preventing their stress
A vast majority (85%) are looking forward to intervention from the government, while 66% are in favour of intervention from the society
Majority of working women in 18-35 age group having middle class economic status are facing high economic stress. Most of them either prefer teaching job or other prescribed profession. The career are selected under influence of parents or in-laws or society. Pursuing career in the field of interest would indirectly assist in preventing and controlling work stress to a great extent
Most of the working women having wards in adolescence prefer nuclear family. It has been recommended that the joint family would reduce cost of living, provide support and relieve stress
Working women should delegate some work, use modern appliances and technology, listen to soothing music while performing domestic work
Outstanding percentage are optimistic towards life. They should maintain it and avoid negative thoughts and negative self-talk
Working women should read and explore more about stress and its coping skills
Perfectionism is demoralising, drain energy, decreases productivity and efficiency and leads to stress. They should concentrate on fitness and remain positive, have sound sleep, manage time, stay mentally active, learn to play musical instrument and volunteer at school or community work
A large number of working women face sleep disorders and are not able to relax which leads to short temper and general unhappiness. They should undertake muscle relaxing exercise, go to bed at same time, decrease intake of caffeine and consult expert if the problem persists