Examining Occupational Stress on Family Cohesion: Implications to Women Professionals in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

The study explored the causes and effects of occupational stress on family cohesion among women professionals in Accra, Ghana. Using a phenomenological case study design, a quota-sampling technique was used to sample the views of 15 women through semi-structured interview guide. The researchers analysed the data thematically. The data revealed several causes of stress among women professionals and these included excessive workload, poor working conditions, inadequate resources and lack of support system. The data also highlighted the effects of stress experienced by women professionals and this included family conflict and unity, ill-healthiness and procrastination of family/motherhood duties. The study therefore recommends that institutions should employ assistance to reduce workload, the institutions should consider more technological approach in their daily activities and women should participate in regular exercise and regular medical checkup to prevent them from ill-healthiness. Finally, the study also that revealed that there will be the need for women to start practicing behaviours that indicate family commitment.

Keywords: Occupational Stress, Family Cohesion, Ill-Healthiness, Excessive Workload, Women Professionals and Procrastination