Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Psychology, Industrial and Organizational

Date of Defense

12-12-2016

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Mark Tubbs

Committee

Dr. Stephanie Merritt

Dr. John Meriac

Dr. Alice Hall

Abstract

The topic of diversity and inclusion has garnered increased interest over the past decade, with 78% of executives listing the topics as critical initiatives (Forbes, 2011). One group that has received little attention but continues to be stigmatized is the childfree population, or those individuals who deliberately choose not to have children. Previous research has examined opinions of this group generally and in the workplace, specifically, but this research frequently considers childfree and childless people under the same umbrella. This study examined ratings of the childfree in the workplace compared to childless adults as well as to parents. The potential efficacy of inclusion policy statements, as well as their impact on implicit reactions, were also investigated. Results generally support findings in previous research such that childfree adults are more likely to be seen as deviating from societal expectations and are also seen as less warm than are their counterparts with children. Encouragingly, these results do not suggest any differential impact on work-related perceptions, including dedication to work, competence, and promotability. Implications for research and practice as well as suggestions for future study are incorporated.

OCLC Number

971625288

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