Identification with multiple social groups: The moderating role of identity change over time among women-scientists

The current study examined change in identity centrality as a moderator of interference between the woman and scientist identities and subsequent negative outcomes in a longitudinal study of 128 women-scientists. Results indicated that higher Time 1 interference was associated with lower well-being, identity satisfaction, and science performance perceptions at Time 2. Further, Time 2 depression and woman satisfaction were buffered from Time 1 identity interference for women-scientists who increased their gender identification over time. Similarly, Time 2 self-esteem, woman satisfaction, and science performance perceptions were buffered from Time 1 interference for women-scientists who increased their scientist identification over time. We discuss reasons for the buffering roles of both identities as well as implications for the retention of women in science.