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17-01-2022 | Review

Unravelling the Complexities of Workplace Disclosure Among Persons with Non-Visible Disabilities and Illnesses: A Qualitative Meta-Ethnography

Authors: Vanessa Tomas, Hiba Ahmed, Sally Lindsay

Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation | Issue 3/2022

Abstract

Background: Deciding whether and how to disclose a disability at work for persons with non-visible disabilities and illnesses involve complex processes. Research has focused on antecedents and outcomes of disclosure. More research is needed to understand the lived experiences related to disclosure decision-making and actual navigation of disclosure and concealment at work. Purpose: To understand the experiences of persons with non-visible disabilities and illnesses regarding workplace disclosure decision-making, navigating disclosure and/or concealment, and experiential differences across disability and illness types, ages, geographic locations, and genders. Methods: We conducted a qualitative meta-synthesis using Noblit and Hare’s seven steps of meta-ethnography. Searches were conducted via six databases. Studies were analyzed to develop conceptual categories, third-order constructs (themes), and a line-of-argument with comparisons drawn from the disclosure decision making model, disclosure process model, and consideration of disability and illness types, genders, ages, and geographic locations. Results: Twenty-four studies were included involving 489 participants, aged 16 to 81, from nine countries, focusing on one non-visible disability or illness, or multiple. We developed four themes for the disclosure decision-making process (self- and other-focused, experiential, and environmental/workplace factors) and two themes for the disclosure/concealment event (disclosure/concealment logistics and timing) and noted emerging trends across ages, genders, disability and illness types, and geographic locations. Conclusions: Knowledge obtained could be used among professionals who support persons with non-visible disabilities and illnesses to help them navigate disclosure at work, and to consider the role of age, genders, disability and illness types, and geographic locations on disclosure.

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Title: Unravelling the Complexities of Workplace Disclosure Among Persons with Non-Visible Disabilities and Illnesses: A Qualitative Meta-Ethnography
Authors: Vanessa Tomas
Hiba Ahmed
Sally Lindsay
Publication date: 17-01-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation / Issue 3/2022
Print ISSN: 1053-0487
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3688
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-022-10023-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Unravelling the Complexities of Workplace Disclosure Among Persons with Non-Visible Disabilities and Illnesses: A Qualitative Meta-Ethnography

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Abstract

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