The Relationship between Gender Role and Mental Health & it`s Components in Employed Women

In the present study, the relationship of gender role ( masculinity and feminity ) and mental health has been investigated. The aim of present research is to identify the relationship between gender role ( masculinity and feminity ) and mental health and it`s Components ( somatic symptoms, anxiety, dysfunction and depression ) in Employed Women in Tehran. To this purpose, a sample consisted of 500 employed women in administrations, organizations and administrative companies of Tehran city were selected through random stratified sampling. All subjects answered to all items of ( Goldberg, 1972 )`s General Health Questionnaire ( GHO ) and ( Bem, 1981 )`s sex role inventory ( short form ). These three tests have high reliability and validity .To analyze data statistically, Pearson`s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were employed. The results of the research indicated that feminity and masculinity have significantly positive correlation with each other. Feminity has also a negative correlation with problem in mental health, anxiety, dysfunction and depression but has no correlation with somatic symptoms. Masculinity has significantly a negative correlation with mental health and dysfunction has no significantly correlation with somatic symptoms, anxiety and depression. In addition, the results of regression analysis showed that masculinity has no significant role in explanation of the variance of mental health and it`s components ( somatic symptoms, anxiety, dysfunction and depression ). The limitations of results of this research point to the need for more research about gender role in Iran.