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The psychological disengagement model among women in science, engineering, and technology
Author(s) -
Beaton Ann M.,
Tougas Francine,
Rinfret Natalie,
Monger Tanya
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
british journal of social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.855
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 2044-8309
pISSN - 0144-6665
DOI - 10.1111/bjso.12092
Subject(s) - disengagement theory , outgroup , psychology , discounting , social psychology , psychological science , self esteem , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , gerontology , medicine , finance , economics
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.