Does it matter what your reasons are when deciding to disclose (or not disclose) a disability at work? The association of workers’ approach and avoidance goals with perceived positive and negative workplace outcomes

• DOI: 10.1007/s10926-020-09956-1
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01T05:02:41Z
• Authors: Monique A. M. Gignac; Arif Jetha; Kathleen A. Marti...; Selahadin Ibrahim
• Keywords: Health psychology

Abstract Deciding whether to disclose a disability others at work is complex. Many chronic mental and physical health conditions are associated with episodic include times of relative wellness punctuated by intermittent periods activity limitations. This research draws on the disclosure processes model examine approach avoidance non-disclosure goals their association perceived positive negative workplace outcomes. Participants were 896 employed individuals (57.7% women) living or health/cognitive condition. They recruited from an existing national panel completed online, cross-sectional survey. asked about decisions, reasons for disclosure/non-disclosure, demographic, context decision outcomes (e.g., support, stress, lost opportunities). About half sample (51.2%) had disclosed supervisor. Decisions included both goals. Approach desire want build trust, maintain status quo work) significantly regardless participant did not work, while concerns losing one’s job, feeling forced because notice problem) The findings highlight benefits challenges that workers perceive arise when they choose personal information. By better understanding we can inform organizational privacy support gaps help sustain employment people disabilities.