Weight bias in LinkedIn Screening

Published: 26 July 2024| Version 1 | DOI: 10.17632/xdcmphzgs2.1
Contributor:
Lara Zibarras

Description

The Impact of Brief Mindfulness-based Intervention and Personality on Weight Bias in LinkedIn Screening Decisions The study used a randomised control trial design, with N=146 participants in either an intervention or control group rating the employability of one of four fictional LinkedIn profiles (thin female/male or overweight female/male), and completing a weight Implicit Association Test (IAT). Participants’ personality was also measured to assess its influence on mindfulness or weight bias. Results showed that a brief online mindfulness intervention did not reduce weight bias and also failed to induce state mindfulness. However, this study provides useful insight into the interaction of weight and gender when being screened via LinkedIn.

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This was an experimental study using a randomised controlled trial (RCT), using a 2x2x2 between-subject design. The independent variables were the condition (intervention/control), the candidate’s gender (female/male) and weight (thin/overweight). Allocation to each condition was randomised and double-blinded. The dependent variables were state mindfulness, implicit weight bias, and LinkedIn employability ratings. Big Five personality traits were included in the analysis as covariates. Demographics and BMI were checked through preliminary analyses for any effects.

Institutions

City University

Categories

Employee Selection

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