The psychological disengagement model among women in science, engineering, and technology

• Published in: British journal of social psychology Vol. 54; no. 3; pp. 465 - 482
• Main Authors: Beaton, Ann M., Tougas, Francine, Rinfret, Natalie, Monger, Tanya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-09-2015
• Subjects: Adult; Defense Mechanisms; Engineering; Female; Humans; Models, Psychological; personal relative deprivation; psychological disengagement; Science; Self Concept; Surveys and Questionnaires; Technology; women and non-traditional work; Women, Working - psychology; psychological disengagement; personal relative deprivation; women and non-traditional work
• ISSN: 0144-6665; 2044-8309
• DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12092

Psychological responses to personal relative deprivation based on self/outgroup comparisons (named self/outgroup PRD) were explored among women in science, engineering, and technology according to the Psychological Disengagement Model. Three studies revealed that the experience of self/outgroup PRD increased women's likelihood of discounting the feedback they received at work. In turn, discounting led them to devalue their profession. Each study further documented the damaging effect of both psychological disengagement mechanisms. Study 1 (N = 93) revealed that discounting and devaluing were associated with decreased self‐esteem. These results were replicated in Studies 2 and 3. Study 2 (N = 163) demonstrated that discounting and devaluing were also associated with reduced self‐esteem stability. Study 3 (N = 187) further showed that psychological disengagement was also associated with women's occupational commitment. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are considered.