Psychosocial Risk Factors at Work: Women in Western Costa Rican Cooperatives

Abstract

This article synthesizes the research results of a project registered at the Sede de Occidente of the University of Costa Rica, on the analysis of the Psychosocial Risk Factors affecting women who work in an organization under the modality of Cooperative in the Western Region of the country. The methodology was carried out with a quantitative approach using the medium version of the PSQ CAT21 COPSOQ method (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire), and the INSHT Psychosocial Risk Assessment Questionnaire. A total of 191 women working in 32 cooperatives participated.  A statistical analysis was carried out, using SPSS software, on two specific dimensions: dual presence and compensations. The first refers to the need to respond to the demands of work, household chores and family simultaneously, and the second to the perception of recognition, respect and stability in the workplace. Among the most relevant results, it was found that women are mainly responsible for domestic and family tasks. The double presence dimension was found to be a risk factor for 77% of the participants. In terms of compensation, concerns about their job stability and that of the cooperatives in which they work can be pointed out as a psychosocial risk. On the other hand, women perceive, in most cases, support and fair treatment within the cooperatives, which could be considered a protective factor in their work.