PREGNANCY AND WORK: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY OF JOB SATISFACTION AND TURNOVER INTENTIONS DURING A FIRST PREGNANCY

TITLE OF DISSERTATION: PREGNANCY AND WORK: A MIXEDMETHODS STUDY OF JOB SATISFACTION AND TURNOVER INTENTIONS DURING A FIRST PREGNANCY Katherine Ross, M.A., M.S.Ed. Doctor of Philosophy, 2017 DIRECTED BY: Professor Mary Ann Hoffman, Ph.D. Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education Despite the prevalence of working mothers and mothers-to-be, there is a paucity of research on the intersection of pregnancy and work. This study used a mixed methods approach to examine the workplace experiences of women who were working full-time during their first pregnancy. Participants (N = 166) represented a diverse sample in terms of geographic location (36 states), income level ($25,000 to over $200,000), education level (less than high school through doctorate) and age range (18-42). Quantitative results showed that pregnancy-related work stress, social support in the workplace, level of satisfaction with family leave policies, and the employee’s level of negative affect are all factors related to job satisfaction and turnover intentions for pregnant employees working full-time in the United States. Qualitative data about women’s supportive and unsupportive workplace experiences during pregnancy were also collected and coded using a modified version of Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR-M; Spangler, Liu, & Hill, 2012). Supportive and unsupportive experiences were coded into the following themes: 1) Things people do and say in the workplace, 2) Demands of the job, 3) Pay, 4) Career trajectory, 5) Paid leave, 6) Support for maternity leave, 7) Help from colleagues, and 8) Other parents in the workplace. Coders also identified more specific categories of experiences within each theme. These and other results, as well as implications for employers, employees, and career counselors, are addressed in this manuscript. PREGNANCY AND WORK: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY OF JOB SATISFACTION AND TURNOVER INTENTIONS DURING A FIRST PREGNANCY By Katherine Louise Ross Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2017 Advisory Committee: Professor Mary Ann Hoffman, Ph.D., Chair Professor Clara E. Hill, Ph.D. Professor Robert W. Lent, Ph.D. Professor Matthew Miller, Ph.D. Professor Colleen O’Neal, Ph.D. © Copyright by Katherine Louise Ross 2017 Acknowledgements This dissertation would not have been possible without the help of my advisor, Mary Ann Hoffman, who has been a personal and professional guide over the past six years. Her enthusiasm and sense of humor have brought fun, lightness, and life to my research experiences. She has made me a better writer, a clearer thinker, and a more curious and caring person. I am grateful to have her as my advisor, mentor, and friend. I would like to thank my parents for always encouraging me to pursue my dreams and supporting me in the process. They taught me the value of higher education, caring for others, and hard work. Without them, I would not be who I am today. My deepest gratitude to Amy Fuhrmann and Ellen Marks, who are always ready and willing to provide support, feedback, and camaraderie. Amy and Ellen have been there to celebrate my successes and problem-solve for my most challenging obstacles. I am fortunate to have such funny, caring, honest, and compassionate friends. Special thanks to Ryan Sappington, who eagerly and skillfully helped me analyze the qualitative data for this study. Your perspective, insights, and willingness to go above and beyond were vital in the successful completion of this manuscript. Thank you also to my committee for challenging me to think deeply and work hard on this project. I am especially indebted to Matt Miller, who helped me get unstuck more than once in this process. Last but not least, I am incredibly grateful for my husband Brett, who has supported me and made my life better in countless ways. From cooking me dinner when I was working late to making me smile when I was frustrated and everything in between, his words and actions provided the motivation and encouragement that kept me going.