People Like Me Don't Belong Here: Identity Concealment is Associated with Negative Workplace Experiences

Abstract

In two studies, we examined the impact of concealing (vs. revealing) a stigmatized identity in the context of a recalled or imagined social interaction with one's coworkers. We propose that although people may choose to conceal stigmatized identities in order to increase their chances of acceptance and belonging, identity concealment in fact reduces feelings of belonging and results in negative work‐related outcomes. Participants possessing a concealable stigmatized identity (in Study 1: LGB identity, N = 95; in Study 2, LGBT identity, history of mental illness, history of physical illness, or history of poverty, N = 303) were randomly assigned to recall or imagine concealing or revealing their identity at work. We found that concealing (vs. revealing) the identity reduced felt belonging in the recalled or imagined situation, collective self‐esteem, job satisfaction, and work‐related commitment. Thus, despite its promise to protect individuals against workplace discrimination, identity concealment is associated with deleterious outcomes.

Issue Introduction: Identity Concealment: Multilevel Predictors, Moderators, and Consequences

“…People with internalized stigma may be particularly worried about rejection and negative treatment and thus concealment is a protective strategy. However, as shown here and in the Newheiser et al (2017) work, it can backfire if concealing cuts a person off from social support and relationships. Supporting the relationship between concealment and rejection, the authors ran a second study in which participants with a mental illness history were asked to recall a time they felt social rejection due to their mental illness (or recall a control, nonrejection situation).…”

Identity Management Strategies for Workers with Concealable Disabilities: Antecedents and Consequences

“…Concealing also may increase emotional exhaustion and tax individuals’ cognitive functioning (Clair et al., ; DeJordy, ), which indirectly may contribute to decreased work engagement and negative job attitudes (Jones & King, ). Related research suggests that decreased self‐esteem and decreased feelings of belonging when concealing could predict lower job satisfaction and team commitment (Newheiser, Barreto, & Tiemersma, ).…”

Identity Concealment and Chronic Illness: A Strategic Choice

“…Concealing an important aspect of oneself requires tracking complex social information, maintaining a public persona that deviates from private, and regularly searching the environment for signs that concealment may have been compromised (Quinn, 2006). Understandably then, concealment can be cognitively demanding (Sedlovskaya et al, 2013;Smart & Wegner, 1999), create feelings of inauthenticity (Kelly, 2002), and decrease people's sense of belonging and social engagement (Lattanner & Richman, 2017;Moore & Tangney, 2017;Newheiser & Barreto, 2014;Newheiser, Barreto, & Tiemersma, 2017).…”