Identity, career trajectories and wellbeing outcomes: A closer look at individuals with degenerative eye conditions

An individual who has a stigmatized identity is likely to be faced with prejudice and discrimination from her surroundings. To avoid being confronted with such adverse outcomes, an individual who has the ability to conceal her stigmatized identity from her surroundings is highly likely to keep her identity a secret. The stigmatized identity investigated in this dissertation is having a degenerative eye condition.

The first aim of this dissertation was to identify and investigate the struggles and triumphs faced by adults with degenerative eye conditions in light of their invisible stigmatized identity and their consequential identity management behavior. The second aim was to better understand how these behaviors influence their career outcomes and overall subjective wellbeing. The main focus of this dissertation is on the workplace context due to high unemployment rates among this group and reported discrimination in the workplace. In addition, insights into the role and functions of peer relationships among individuals with degenerative eye conditions and how these relate to subjective wellbeing are presented.

The findings suggest that identity management plays an important role in the physical and mental wellbeing and career outcomes of this group. Furthermore individuals disclose their identity on a gradient. This gradient also plays an important role in the wellbeing and career outcomes of this group. Partial disclosure may relate to high stress and low self-acceptance. Policy should consider finding solutions, which enable workplace protection to individuals who do not want to disclose their condition in the workplace yet.