COMPOSITION OF THE WORKPLACE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING - THE EFFECTS OF TOKENISM ON AMERICA BLACK ELITE

Kanter's theory of proportional representation suggests that tokens sh ould experience more work stress and psychological symptoms than nonto kens. We examine the effects of proportional representation by pace an d by gender on work stress and symptoms. Data come from structured per sonal interviews with a disproportionate stratified sample of elite bl ack leaders in the U.S. (N = 167). Consistent with expectations, analy ses shaved that numerical rarity by race and by gender significantly i ncreased symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. Numerical r arity by race significantly increases ''token stress'' (e.g., loss of black identity, multiple demands of being black, sense of isolation, h aving to show greater competence) and a high degree of gender tokenism increases role overload. Some, but not all, of the fetal impact of pr oportional representation is mediated through work stressors since the se stressors are themselves directly associated with higher psychologi cal symptoms.