SELF-ESTEEM AND SUBJECTIVE RESPONSES TO WORK AMONG MATURE WORKERS - SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BY GENDER

This study addressed three questions that underlie the experiences of middle-aged working individuals: (1) What factors influence workers' q uality of time spent at work, their feelings of competence as a worker , and their satisfaction with work? (2) What is the impact of subjecti ve responses to work on self-esteem? and (3) What effect does gender h ave on subjective responses and self-esteem? These data are derived fr om an ongoing study of full-time working men and women (N = 770). Subj ective responses to work are affected by poor health. Quality of time at work (meaningful, not boring) job satisfaction, and an identity as a competent worker are associated with self-esteem. Self-esteem was hi gher among women in highly autonomous jobs, and nonmarried women had h igher self-esteem than others. The strongest effect on self-esteem was that of feeling competent as a worker. Positive perceptions of work i ncreased self-esteem, facilitating the transition into retirement.