Physical Expression and Attributes in the Workplace
Publication Date
2026
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Psychological Sciences and Neurosciences, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Abigail Heller
Presentation Type
Article
Summary
Existing research indicates that there is a gender bias when it comes to the job hiring process (Scholten, 2017), what is evaluated when looking at potential candidates (Marieke et al., 2016), and the role that expressing pride plays in that evaluation (Brosi et al., 2016). Additionally, studies have also looked at how being in the LGBTQ+ community adds to preconceived biases in the hiring process (Holmes, 2025). While there have been several studies done in this field, many of them showing women at a disadvantage, research has yet to explore the biases when it comes to hiring specifically women. This study explores gender expression in women and how others pertain her competency in the workplace. In this study, emerging adults (N = 50; Mage = 19.6) completed a survey on Qualtrics that measured perceived attributes and job competency of two differently appearing (one traditionally feminine and one traditionally masculine) women, as well as demographic information. Data collection is ongoing, and results will be presented at the symposium.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Elle; Huai, Sian; Baker, Sarah; and Powell, Taylor, "Physical Expression and Attributes in the Workplace" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 1042.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/1042
