Workaholism an Outcome of Childhood Experiences and its Effect on Health and Sleep

Abstract

This study aims at exploring the factors associated with workaholism. A total of three hundred and sixty one (N=361) (W orkaholics=175, Non-workaholics=186) working adults, ranging from 25 to 59 years of age with educational background of at least bachelor’s degree from different departments in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan were recruited. In this report workaholics were compared to non-workaholics on measures of test for workaholism and self-designed questionnaire. It was found that educational level, age, economic crisis during childhood, and health-related problems such sleep disorders and hypertension were independently associated with workaholics as compared to non-workaholics. Childhood family experiences were also investigated and it was found that workaholism was an outcome of disturbed family experiences in early years of life. It was concluded that workaholism plays an important role in improving the standard of workaholics’ personal, family and professional life materially but at the cost of their own health. This study recognizes workaholism in Peshawar and would help recommend policies and health awareness in this region.