The emergence of conversations about mental health challenges on social media, LinkedIn included, has unveiled potential implications for job seekers, as revealed by a study conducted by researchers from North Carolina State University and Meredith College. While it is crucial to reduce the stigma around mental health, the study suggests that such disclosures might influence how potential employers perceive candidates.
The study, titled “Is It #okaytosay I Have Anxiety and Depression? Evaluations of Job Applications Who Disclose Mental Health Problems on LinkedIn,” involved 409 professionals possessing hiring experience. The participants were divided into groups to assess the effect of mental health-related posts on LinkedIn. These participants viewed profiles both with and without mental health disclosures, accompanied by audio interviews. Interestingly, those exposed to mental health-related posts were inclined to perceive candidates as less emotionally stable and conscientious. Impressions formed after viewing profiles persisted even beyond the interview stage.
Jenna McChesney, the first author of the study and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Meredith College, underscored that the study’s findings shouldn’t deter people from discussing anxiety and depression on LinkedIn. However, those contemplating such posts should recognize that they could potentially alter future employers’ perceptions of them.
The study also has implications for employers. Lori Foster, a co-author of the paper and Professor of Psychology at North Carolina State University, elaborated, “When hiring managers look up candidates on LinkedIn, they risk seeing information that can color their perceptions, even subconsciously.”
Foster further advised organizations to establish guidelines for using LinkedIn during the hiring process, fostering equitable comparisons among all candidates, including those who openly converse about mental health challenges.
