Impaired Small Town Physicians and Their Spouses

Abstract

Based on the results of a self-administered questionnaire completed by 107 wives of physicians in a rural central California county, this exploratory study examines dimensions of the physician's work and family life associated with excessive use of alcohol. Avoiding the bias of the use of a treatment population, the study seeks to analyze the factors that are predictive of alcohol impairment in physicians' living and practicing in rural areas where role strain is increased. The stress theory's role in explaining alcohol abuse is explored. Several variables associated with increased probability of impairment are identified, including poor relationships with in-laws, extramarital affairs, the intrusion of business into family life, and excessive drinking by one's spouse. Further studies with larger samples are needed to elaborate on and confirm these initial findings.

Development of a scale to assess occupational stress in Rural General Practitioners

“…For example, studies have shown that occupational or workplace stress is associated with depression (Revicki & May, 1983), free-floating anxiety (Green, Duthie, Young, & Peters, 1990), somatic anxiety (Sutherland & Cooper, 1992), burnout and suicidal thoughts (Olkinuora et al, 1990), distress (King, Cockcroft, & Gooch, 1992), emotional exhaustion (Deckard et al, 1994), excessive use of alcohol (Estep, Novack, & Helsel, 1989), suicide and substance abuse (cited by King et al, 1992), and low job satisfaction (Cooper, Rout, & Faragher, 1989). …”