City Research Online

Abstract

Superwoman syndrome is a phenomenon where women feel compelled to excel in multiple roles-such as career, family, and personal life-often striving to "do it all" and "have it all," while neglecting their own health and well-being. The study aims to systematically review literature on superwoman syndrome in order to determine its origin, determinants, and impacts on women. A systematic strategy was used to search databases for relevant research, and based on the eligibility criteria, the final review included a total of 40 studies-including quantitative (19), qualitative (10), clinical trials (9), and mixed-methods (2)-mostly conducted in North America (82%) and on a sample of African American women (75%). Qualitative synthesis revealed that superwoman syndrome is a multi-faceted construct with certain key dimensions: handling multiple role responsibilities, feeling an obligation to present an image of strength, obligations to suppress emotions, obligations to help others, determination to succeed despite limited resources, resistance to being vulnerable, active participation in her community, and adherence to spirituality. The impact of the superwoman syndrome was found to be two-fold, beneficial as well as detrimental. The review provides a timely update to the literature on superwoman syndrome and also brings forth the interactional associations between various dimensions and their consequent impacts on the women.

Publication Type:	Article
Publisher Keywords:	Systematic review, superwoman syndrome, women’s health, well-being
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Nursing & Midwifery
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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