Across the pregnancy lifespan: examining workplace outcomes of concealing across stages of pregnancy

Abstract

Purpose The authors aims to use stigma theory to predict and test a model wherein a person’s stage of pregnancy influences their workplace outcomes associated with pregnancy concealment behaviors. Design/methodology/approach The authors tested the model using two separate survey studies, examining these relationships from the perspectives of both the pregnant employees and their supervisors. Findings The authors find support for the model across both studies, showing that concealment of a pregnant identity predicts increased discrimination, but only for those in later stages of pregnancy. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine how one’s stage of pregnancy impacts identity management outcomes. This is important given that pregnancy is an inherently dynamic stigma that becomes increasingly visible over time.