Invisible barriers? Navigating ambition, visibility, and career development with endometriosis

Jenny Sloan
In: Journal of the National Institute for Career Education and Counselling · 2026 · vol. 57(1) · doi:10.20856/jnicec.5708 · W7223552457
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This qualitative study applied Social Cognitive Career Theory to six UK women with endometriosis, finding that gendered workplace norms constrain career mobility and cause burnout while supportive management mitigates these impacts.

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This qualitative study applied Social Cognitive Career Theory to explore how endometriosis influences career development among six UK-based women aged 30 to 39. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews and used reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes related to professional life and health management. Findings revealed that participants experienced constrained career mobility, revised ambitions, overcompensation, and burnout due to gendered workplace norms and the nature of their condition. However, supportive management, flexible working arrangements, and Occupational Health provision were found to mitigate these negative impacts on career progression. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — specifically examining its psychosocial impact on career development and workplace dynamics rather than clinical treatment or pathophysiology.

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Abstract

Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of people of reproductive age, however its influence on career development remains underexplored. This study applies Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) to examine how endometriosis can shape women’s career development. Using an interpretivist, qualitative design, six semi structured interviews with UK-based women aged 30-39 were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. Findings highlight constrained career mobility, revised ambitions, overcompensation, burnout, and concerns about professional reputation, shaped by gendered workplace norms. Supportive management, flexible working, and Occupational Health (OH) provision mitigated these impacts. The study extends SCCT research and offers recommendations for inclusive careers support and workplace practice.
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Invisible barriers? Navigating ambition, visibility, and career development with endometriosis DOI: https://doi.org/10.20856/jnicec.5708Keywords: Social Cognitive Career Theory, Career and health, Workplace guidance, Women's careers, Inclusive careers guidanceAbstract Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of people of reproductive age, however its influence on career development remains underexplored. This study applies Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) to examine how endometriosis can shape women’s career development. Using an interpretivist, qualitative design, six semi structured interviews with UK-based women aged 30-39 were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. Findings highlight constrained career mobility, revised ambitions, overcompensation, burnout, and concerns about professional reputation, shaped by gendered workplace norms. Supportive management, flexible working, and Occupational Health (OH) provision mitigated these impacts. The study extends SCCT research and offers recommendations for inclusive careers support and workplace practice. References Allaire, C., Bedaiwy, M. A., & Yong, P. J. (2023). Diagnosis and management of endometriosis. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 195(10), E363-E371. http://dx.doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.220637 Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide. SAGE Publications. Denny, E. (2004). Women’s experience of endometriosis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 46(6), 641-648. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2004.03055.x Estes, S. J., Soliman, A. M., Yang, H., Wang, J., & Freimark J. (2020). A Longitudinal Assessment of the Impact of Endometriosis on Patients’ Salary Growth and Risk of Leaving the Workforce. Advances in Therapy, 37(5), 2144-2158. DOI:10.1007/s12325-020-01280-7 Facchin, F., Buggio, L., Ottolin, F., Barbara, G., Saita, E., & Vercellini, P. (2019). Preliminary insights on the relation between endometriosis, pelvic pain, and employment. Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, 84(2), 190-195. DOI:10.1159/000494254 Hansen, K. E., Kesmodel, U. S., Baldursson, E. B., Schultz, R., & Forman, A. (2013). The influence of endometriosis-related symptoms on work life and work ability: a study of Danish endometriosis patients in employment. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology, 169(2), 331-339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.03.008 Horne, A. W., & Missmer, S. A. (2022). Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of endometriosis. British Medical Journal, 379, Article e070750. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-070750 Jones, G., Jenkinson, C., & Kennedy, S. (2004). The impact of endometriosis upon quality of life: a qualitative analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 25(2), 123-133. https://doi.org/10.1080/01674820400002279 Lent, R. W. (2013). Career-Life Preparedness: Revisiting Career Planning and Adjustment in the New Workplace. The Career Development Quarterly, 61(1), 2-14. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-0045.2013.00031.x Lent, R. W. (2021). Career Development and Counseling: A Social Cognitive Framework. In S. D. Brown & R. W. Lent (Eds.), Career Development and Counseling: Putting Theory and Research to Work (3rd ed., pp. 148-181). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Lent, R. W. & Brown, S. D. (2013). Social cognitive model of career self-management: Toward a unifying view of adaptive career behavior across the life span. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 60(4), 557-568. DOI:10.1037/a0033446 Lent, R. W., Morrison, M. A., & Ezeofor, I. (2014). The Career Development of People with Disabilities: A Social Cognitive Perspective. In D. Strauser (Ed.), Career Development, Employment, and Disability in Rehabilitation: From Theory to Practice (pp. 135-149). Springer. Missmer, S. A., Tu, F. T., Agarwal, S. K., Chapron, C., Soliman, A. M., Chiuve, S., Eichner, S., Flores-Caldera, I., Horne, A. W., Kimball, A. B., Laufer, M. R., Singh, S. S., Taylor, H. S., & As-Sanie, S. (2021). Impact of Endometriosis on Life-Course Potential: A Narrative Review. International Journal of General Medicine, 14, 9-29. https://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S261139 Morassutto, C., Monasta, L., Ricci, G., Barbone, F., & Ronfani, L. (2016). Incidence and Estimated Prevalence of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis in Northeast Italy: A Data Linkage Study. Public Library of Science ONE, 11(4), Article e0154227. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0154227 Nnoaham, K. E., Hummelshoj, L., Webster, P., d’Hooghe, T., de Cicco Nardone, F., de Cicco Nardone, C., Jenkinson, C., Kennedy, S. H., & Zondervan, K. T. (2011). Impact of endometriosis on quality of life and work productivity: a multicenter study across ten countries. Fertility and Sterility, 96(2), 366-373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.05.090 Downloads Published License Copyright (c) 2026 Jenny Sloan This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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