Endometriosis and Career Trajectories: An Analysis Through the Lens of Psychological Contract Breach

According to the World Health Organization, in 2023, endometriosis affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally. Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, defined by tissue that is similar to, but distinct from, the lining of the uterus, growing outside the uterus and throughout the body. It has been referred to as the ‘missed disease’. Research on endometriosis and its impact on career trajectories remain scarce and limited in scope. Due to the impacts of endometriosis on patients, their families, jobs, societies, and countries, it is imperative that we enhance our comprehension of endometriosis and its repercussions in professional environments. The study employs a qualitative research design, grounded in an interpretivist paradigm. Primary data (20 semi-structured interviews) and secondary were collected (25 online testimonies on specialized websites) to better understand endometriosis and career trajectories through the lens of psychological contract breach, which is our theoretical framework. The results show that endometriosis symptoms reduce women's productivity. They also have to contend with stigmatization or an increased emotional toll. Certain factors seem to cause a breach of the psychological contract (e.g. misunderstanding on the part of the manager, the company's financial situation, lack of accommodation). This leads women to resign, reduce their working hours, hold back on career development and relinquish responsibilities.