Health Anxiety, Workplace Anxiety, and Gender Difference –A Correlational Study

Abstract

This cross-sectional study delves into the complex relationships between gender, health anxiety (HA), and workplace anxiety (WPA), challenging prevailing assumptions and contributing nuanced insights to the existing literature. The investigation tested hypotheses regarding gender-based differences in Health Anxiety (H1) and Workplace Anxiety (H2), as well as the relationships between Health Anxiety and Workplace Anxiety in men (H3) and women (H4). Results from a Mann Whitney U test revealed non-significant differences in Health Anxiety between genders, rejecting H1. Similarly, non-significant disparity in Workplace Anxiety levels between males and females was observed, rejecting H2.  The exploration of the relationship between Health Anxiety and Workplace Anxiety in men (H3), using Spearman’s Rho, indicated a lack of significant correlation, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of workplace anxiety in males. In contrast, a significant positive linear relationship between Health Anxiety and Workplace Anxiety was found in women, supporting H4 and underscoring the need for gender-sensitive approaches in addressing workplace well-being. Acknowledging the limitations of sample size and the cross-sectional nature of the study, these findings prompt a reevaluation of traditional approaches to workplace well-being interventions. The study advocates for future research using more comprehensive sampling strategies to unravel the dynamic nature of these relationships. Practical implications highlight the importance of tailored interventions that consider the nuanced influences of gender and health anxiety in fostering a healthier and more supportive work environment.