Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Date of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science and Health

First Advisor

Ian Katz

Abstract

Workplace identity disclosure (WID) is a central process through which employees manage concealable stigmatized identities at work, yet the empirical literature is fragmented by inconsistent construct labels, varied measures, and uneven coverage across identity domains. This dissertation conducted a systematic review and psychometric meta-analysis of quantitative studies examining WID and related constructs. WID was defined as an umbrella construct encompassing disclosure-related behaviors through which employees make a concealable stigmatized identity known, more visible, or less hidden at work. The final review included 37 reports and 38 independent samples. Corrected bivariate associations were estimated for construct pairs represented by at least three independent samples. WID was positively associated with identifiability, visibility, or perceptibility; supervisor support or leader relationship quality; and job satisfaction. WID was negatively associated with heterosexism and anxiety, depression, or psychological distress. Additional retained relations, including organizational climate, diversity or LGBT climate, organizational support, anticipated stigma or fear of disclosure, organizational commitment, turnover intentions, and physical health-related outcomes, were generally consistent with theory but less precisely estimated. Findings indicate that the empirical literature provides support for selected portions of the proposed WID nomological network, while much of the broader network remains too sparse, heterogeneous, or inconsistently measured to support strong corrected conclusions. This dissertation contributes by separating estimable findings from underdeveloped areas of the literature, clarifying measurement families used to operationalize disclosure, and identifying priorities for future research. Future studies should strengthen construct-pair coverage, distinguish disclosure-related constructs more carefully, broaden identity domains beyond sexual orientation, and improve reporting practices to support cumulative synthesis.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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