Date of Award
2000
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Education
First Advisor
Pamela Nickels
Second Advisor
Madonna Riesenmy
Third Advisor
Anita Sankar
Abstract
The threat of discrimination and job loss causes many gay, lesbian, and bisexual (g/ I/ b) Americans to keep their sexual orientation a secret at work. The decision to keep one's personal life hidden increases the level of stress experienced and can coincide with lower levels of job satisfaction. The fear of discrimination is even greater for g/1/b individuals working in K - 12 educational settings due to the more socially conservative environment of schools. This study examined the relationship between degree of disclosure about one's homosexual orientation and one's level of job satisfaction. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive correlation between these tv\•o variables. The sample consisted of 98 educators working in a K-12 setting who identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Although the hypothesis was not supported, two correlations were identified as significant (alpha = .05). These findings suggest that the school's perceived acceptance of homosexuality and a teacher's comfort in disclosing sexual orientation are better indicators of job satisfaction ratings. Possible explanations for the findings and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Miles, Jane Ellen, "The Relation of Job Satisfaction to Degree of Disclosure About One's Sexual Orientation for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Educators" (2000). Theses. 292.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/292
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