Pregnancy loss: A qualitative exploration of an experience stigmatized in the workplace

IF 5.2 1区 心理学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, APPLIED Journal of Vocational Behavior Pub Date : 2023-04-01 DOI:10.1016/j.jvb.2023.103848
Stephanie L. Gilbert , Jennifer K. Dimoff , Jacquelyn M. Brady , Roderick Macleod , Taegen McPhee
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引用次数: 1

Abstract

Pregnancy loss is often stigmatized and is considered to be a taboo topic in the workplace, causing employees to suffer in silence. Yet, pregnancy loss is unequivocally a workplace issue – it can occur at work and influence work outcomes, such as performance, job attitudes, and employee wellbeing. Unfortunately, there is little research examining the intersection between work and pregnancy loss, leaving employers with little evidence-based guidance on how to support employees during and after pregnancy loss. The purpose of this qualitative study of working women (N = 29) is to provide insight into the ways by which work influences, and is influenced by, employees' physical and psychological experiences of loss. We utilized a phenomenological approach which revealed 12 themes that were temporal in nature and represented the interconnectedness of work and pregnancy loss. Themes related to the pre-loss experience (pregnancy experiences), loss experience (healthcare; physical health; psychological health; partner's experiences; loss disclosure; memorialization), short-term post-loss experience (work leave; workplace support; stigma), and long-term post-loss experience (return-to-work; shifts in perspective and identity). These results revealed that pregnancy loss experiences unfold over extended periods of time and across domains, involving the interaction between work, family, and healthcare systems. Findings are interpreted through the lens of bioecological systems theory and boundary theory, and illustrate the criticality of supportive workplace practices, such as return-to-work accommodations, bereavement support, and leave options, in supporting employee health and work outcomes.

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妊娠损失:定性探索在工作场所耻辱的经验
在工作场所,流产往往被认为是一个禁忌话题,导致员工在沉默中受苦。然而,怀孕失败无疑是一个工作场所的问题——它可能发生在工作中,并影响工作成果,如绩效、工作态度和员工福利。不幸的是,很少有研究调查工作和怀孕之间的关系,这使得雇主在如何支持怀孕期间和之后的员工方面几乎没有基于证据的指导。对职业女性(N = 29)进行定性研究的目的是深入了解工作如何影响员工的生理和心理损失体验,以及受其影响的方式。我们利用现象学方法揭示了12个主题,这些主题在本质上是暂时的,代表了工作和怀孕损失的相互联系。与失去前经历(怀孕经历)、失去经历(医疗保健;身体健康;心理健康;合作伙伴的经验;损失的披露;纪念活动),短期的丧后体验(工作假期;工作支持;耻辱),以及长期的损失后经历(重返工作岗位;观点和身份的转变)。这些结果表明,流产经历在很长一段时间内和跨领域展开,涉及工作、家庭和医疗保健系统之间的相互作用。研究结果通过生物生态系统理论和边界理论的视角进行解释,并说明支持性工作场所实践的重要性,例如重返工作场所,丧亲支持和休假选择,以支持员工健康和工作成果。
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来源期刊
Journal of Vocational Behavior
Journal of Vocational Behavior PSYCHOLOGY, APPLIED-
CiteScore
13.10
自引率
5.40%
发文量
85
期刊介绍: The Journal of Vocational Behavior publishes original empirical and theoretical articles offering unique insights into the realms of career choice, career development, and work adjustment across the lifespan. These contributions are not only valuable for academic exploration but also find applications in counseling and career development programs across diverse sectors such as colleges, universities, business, industry, government, and the military. The primary focus of the journal centers on individual decision-making regarding work and careers, prioritizing investigations into personal career choices rather than organizational or employer-level variables. Example topics encompass a broad range, from initial career choices (e.g., choice of major, initial work or organization selection, organizational attraction) to the development of a career, work transitions, work-family management, and attitudes within the workplace (such as work commitment, multiple role management, and turnover).
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