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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
Professor Diane HoustonProfessor of Psychology and Dean of the Graduate School |
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Research interests
- Applied social psychology and its interface with sociology and social policy.
- Theoretical approaches to women’s work participation, occupational segregation and career development.
- Processes of discrimination, particularly sexism.
- The ways in which different policy contexts shape gender equality and gender stereotyping.
- Work-life balance and career consequences of flexible working.
Key Publications
Herrera, M.C. and Moya, M. and Houston, D.M. (2012) Having it all: The Impact of female promotion on threat of domestic violence. Spanish Journal of Psychology, 15. ISSN 1138-7416. (in press)
Houston, D.M. (2007) Women's social exclusion. In: Abrams, D. and Christian, J.N. and Gordon, D. The Multidisciplinary Handbook of Social Exclusion Research. Wiley, Chichester, pp. 17-28. ISBN 9780470095133.
Ahmavaara, A. & Houston, D.M. (2007) The effects of selective schooling and self-concept on adolescents' academic aspiration: an examination of Dweck's self-theory. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 77 (3) pp. 613-632. ISSN 0007-098
Houston, D. M. (Ed.).(2005) Work Life Balance in the Twenty-First Century. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Also view these in the Kent Academic Repository
Books
Millward, L. and Houston, D.M. and Brown, D. et al. (2006)
Young Peoples Job Perceptions and Preferences.
DTI, London, 170 pp.
Houston, D.M. and Waumsley, J.A. (2003)
Attitudes to Flexible Working and Family Life.
Family & Work. Policy Press, Bristol, 72 pp. ISBN 978-1861345493.
Articles
Herrera, M.C. and Moya, M. and Houston, D.M. (2012)
Having it all: The Impact of female promotion on threat of domestic violence.
Spanish Journal of Psychology, 15. ISSN 1138-7416. (in press)
Waumsley, J.A. and Houston, D.M. and Marks, G. (2010)
What about Us? Measuring the Work-Life Balance of People Who Do Not Have Children.
Review of European Studies, 2 (2). pp. 3-17. ISSN 1918-7173.
Abstract
To date, the work-family literature has examined conflict between work and family and family and work. In this research the use of the word family usually denotes child-care responsibilities. Furthermore, scales developed to measure conflict have concentrated on a family structure defined in this way. Little is known about conflict between work and non-work experienced by people who do not live within a family structure that includes children. The aim of this paper is to examine whether existing work-family and family-work conflict measures might be adapted to measure work-life conflict and life-work conflict for full-time female workers (N = 940) with and without children. Results suggest that a work-family conflict scale may not adequately measure the conflicts experienced by people who do not live within a family structure that involves children. The implications of these findings are further discussed with suggestions concerning the feasibility of using a generic work-life scale to measure work-life balance and a specific work-family scale to measure work-family balance.
Waumsley, J.A. and Houston, D.M. (2009)
Flexible Working, Professional Success and Being Female: Are they Incompatible?
Review of European Studies, 1 (2). pp. 39-53. ISSN 1918-7173.
Abstract
The UKs flexible working strategy has developed progressively since 2000, reflecting changes in the economic, political and social climate. Research has shown employees to be concerned about the effects of flexible working on career success. This paper (N=266 & N=1093) examined male, female, managerial and non-managerial evaluations of employees who either used flexible working practices, worked long hours or worked regular hours. It also compared attitudes towards employees and their perceived success as a function of the reason as to why they used flexible working practices. Results showed individuals working the longest hours were perceived to significantly outperform all those who worked regular hours or who took part in some kind of flexible working option. Women with caring responsibilities were consistently viewed as less productive and more likely to leave their employment than men. Findings on promotion show overwhelming bias towards long hours being compatible with career success. Despite the positive effects on work performance, the effects of working long hours are recognised as detrimental to work-life balance. The implications for women in the workplace and work-life balance policy are further discussed.
Ahmavaara, A. and Houston, D.M. (2007)
The effects of selective schooling and self-concept on adolescents' academic aspiration: An examination of Dweck's self-theory.
British Journal of Educational Psychology, 77 (3). pp. 613-632. ISSN 0007-0998.
Abstract
Background. Dweck has emphasized the role of pupils' implicit theories about intellectual ability in explaining variations in their engagement, persistence and achievement. She has also highlighted the role of confidence in one's intelligence as a factor influencing educational attainment.
Aim. The aim of this paper is to develop a model of achievement aspiration in adolescence and to compare young people who are educated at a selective grammar school with those who attend a non-selective 'secondary modern' school.
Sample. The sample consisted of 856 English secondary school pupils in years 7 and 10 from two selective and two non-selective secondary schools.
Method. Questionnaires were completed in schools.
Results. The findings are consistent with the model, showing that achievement aspiration is predicted directly by gender, school type and type of intelligence theory. Importantly, school type also affects aspirations indirectly, with effects being mediated by confidence in one's own intelligence and perceived academic performance. Intelligence theory also affects aspirations indirectly with effects being mediated by perceived academic performance, confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, intelligence theory has a stronger effect on aspirations in the selective schools than in the non-selective schools.
Conclusions. The findings provide substantial support for Dweck's self-theory, showing that implicit theories are related to aspirations. However, the way in which theory of intelligence relates to age and gender suggests there may be important cross-cultural or contextual differences not addressed by Dweck's theory. Further research should also investigate the causal paths between aspirations, implicit theories of intelligence and the impact of school selection.
Ryckman, R.M. and Houston, D.M. (2003)
Value priorities in American and British female and male university students.
Journal of Social Psychology, 143 (1). pp. 127-138. ISSN 0022-4545.
Abstract
Abstract: Value priorities were analyzed as they relate to nationality (American vs. British) and gender in a study involving 207 university students from the 2 countries. Participants responded anonymously to S. H. Schwartz's Value Survey (1992, 1994), consisting of various individualistic and collectivistic values. American students assigned greater importance to the individualistic values of achievement, hedonism, self-direction, and stimulation than British students did; students from the 2 countries assigned equal importance to the power value type. Compared with men, women from both countries assigned greater value priorities to the collectivistic values of benevolence, universalism, security, and subordination of self to others. Women and men, however, did not differ on the individualistic values, and, in fact, women placed greater importance on achievement than men did. The results for the individualistic values are discussed primarily within the context of major changes in the career and work opportunities afforded women by society in the past 30 years.
Houston, D.M. and Marks, G. (2003)
The Role of Planning and Workplace Support in Returning to Work after Maternity Leave.
British Journal of Industrial Relations, 41 (2). pp. 197-214. ISSN 0007-1080.
Abstract
The paper reports a longitudinal study of the post-pregnancy work outcomes for full-time working women who were pregnant with their first baby. Regression analyses revealed that women who did not return to work as intended were differentiated from those who did return to work by the amount of planning they had done in pregnancy, as well as having lower pre-natal income and less anticipated support within the workplace. Almost one third of those who returned to work part-time reported reduced job status. The study shows the importance of workplace planning and support in return to work after maternity leave.
Houston, D.M. and Andreopoulou, A. (2003)
Tests of both corollaries of social identity theory's self-esteem hypothesis in a real group setting.
British Journal of Social Psychology, 42 (3). pp. 357-370. ISSN 0144-6665.
Abstract
The present study tests both corollaries of the self-esteem hypothesis from social identity theory derived by Abrams and Hogg (1988). Greek students completed a pre-test collective self-esteem (CSE) measure and then rated Greek students and either American or Turkish students. They then completed a post-test collective self-esteem measure. Inconsistent with Corollary 2, higher prior CSE was associated both with higher in-group ratings and higher out-group ratings, but not with bias. Consistent with Corollary 1, change in CSIE was positively associated with bias, positively associated with in-group ratings and negatively associated with out-group ratings. There were no differences due to type of out-group. The findings are consistent with the idea that, for specific comparisons between real groups, individual differences in self-esteem may affect the zone within which bias occurs rather than the amount of bias. However, achieving increases in self-esteem depends on establishing positive distinctiveness for the in-group in the context of a specific intergroup comparison.
Marks, G. and Houston, D.M. (2002)
Attitudes towards work and motherhood held by working and non-working mothers.
Work Employment and Society, 16 (3). pp. 523-536. ISSN 0950-0170.
Andreopoulou, A. and Houston, D.M. (2002)
The impact of collective self-esteem on intergroup evaluation: Self-protection and self-enhancement.
Current Research in Social Psychology, 7 (14). pp. 234-256. ISSN 1088-7423.
Abstract
The present study examines the impact of personal success or failure feedback on collective self-esteem and bias. The second corollary of the self-esteem hypothesis - that low or threatened self-esteem will motivate intergroup discrimination and Crocker and Luhtanens (1990) self-enhancement hypothesis were examined. Collective self-esteem was affected by status, and, contrary to the second corollary of the self-esteem hypothesis, participants with high collective self-esteem were found to show more ingroup bias (c.f. Abrams and Hogg 1988). However, status and self-esteem had interactive effects on evaluations of the ingroup and outgroup. High self-esteem was associated with more positive ingroup evaluations only when the ingroup had high status, whereas low self-esteem was associated with more positive outgroup evaluations only when the ingroup had low status. Results are discussed in terms of Crocker and Luhtanens (1990) self-enhancement hypothesis.
McKee, K.J. and Houston, D.M. and Barnes, S. (2002)
Methods for Assessing Quality of Life and Well-Being in Frail Older People.
Psychology and Health,, 17 (6). pp. 737-751. ISSN 0887-0446.
Abstract
The appropriateness, reliability and convergence of differing methods and associated instruments for the assessment of quality of life and well-being in frail older people was examined in 60 (greater than or equal to 65 years of age) nursing home residents. The feasibility of measuring quality of life and well-being via a variety of instruments was explored through observation (an adaptation of Dementia Care Mapping), structured interview (Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life - Direct Weighting), and proxy questionnaire (Pleasant Events Schedule - Alzheimer Disease; Apparent Emotion Rating Scale). The observational assessment and Pleasant Events Schedule demonstrated good reliability. Significant associations were found between well-being as assessed by observation, and active social interaction and engagement in recreation as assessed by observation, quality of life as assessed by structured interview, and enjoyment of activities as assessed by proxy questionnaire. These findings indicate the importance of social activity in later life, and the potential of different approaches for the appropriate assessment of key aspects of quality of life in frail older people.
Marks, G. and Houston, D.M. (2002)
The Determinants of Young Women's Intentions About Education, Career Development and Family Life.
Journal of Education and Work, 15 (3). pp. 321-336. ISSN 1363-9080.
Abstract
A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the factors that shape high-achieving young women's plans about further education, career development, having a child and combining work and motherhood. A sample of 92 grammar school girls aged 15 to 17 took part in the study. It was found that the education and career plans of these young women were influenced by their anticipated role as a mother and their perception of social pressure to give up work to care for their children. Despite strong intentions to have a career and gain further educational qualifications, the perceived acceptability of combining work with motherhood influenced the certainty with which they formed these plans. It is concluded that if women are to have equal opportunities to work and have careers, these issues should be explicitly addressed at an early stage in their schooling.
Houston, D.M. and Lloyd, K. and Drysdale, S. et al. (2001)
The benefits of uncertainty: changes in women's perceptions of the cervical screening programme as a consequence of screening errors by Kent and Canterbury NHS Trust.
Psychology, Health & Medicine, 6 (2). pp. 107-114. ISSN 1354-8506.
Abstract
A great deal of psychological research has examined predictors of compliance with health screening programmes. Previous research has not examined the impact of health 'scares' on these predictors. The present study examines changes in perceptions of the cervical screening programme from 1995 to 1998 as a consequence of the publicity surrounding screening errors in Kent and Canterbury NHS Trust. A questionnaire survey was conducted across two cohorts; 414 women students participated. It was found that from 1995 to 1998 there was a significant reduction in the accuracy of knowledge about the smear test process and in perceptions of reliability of the screening programme. Perceived vulnerability to cervical abnormality increased significantly from 1995 to 1998, as did perceived vulnerability to cervical cancer. Anticipation of negative emotions as a result of an abnormal smear test result decreased from 1995 to 1998. The 1998 cohort strongly intended to comply with the screening programme, the modal response being the highest scale point. It would seem that, despite reduced confidence in the programme, women in the 1998 sample feel more vulnerable to cervical cancer and are less concerned with the prospect of receiving an abnormal result than the 1995 sample.
Houston, D.M. and McKee, K.J and Wilson, J. (2000)
Attributional style, efficacy, and the enhancement of well-being among housebound older people.
Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 22 (4). pp. 309-317. ISSN 0197-3533.
Abstract
This study examines the effects of an intervention that involves the compilation of a book of wartime experiences on a group of housebound older people who live in the community with the support of social services. Using the theoretical framework of the Hopelessness Theory of Depression (Abramson, Metalsky, & Alloy, 1989), we examine the impact of attributional style (Abramson et al., 1989) and efficacy (Bandura, 1977; Houston, 1995) on changes in psychological well-being following the intervention. Prior to the intervention, participants completed a newly constructed Extended Attributional Style Scale for the Elderly and the General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg & Hillier, 1979). Following the intervention there was a significant improvement in psychological well-being across the sample-those with depressogenic styles and low efficacy and those with high efficacy and nondepressogenic styles reported most improvement. The findings indicate that a relatively small-scale intervention can have a significant impact on the well-being of order people living alone in the community.
Book Sections
Houston, D.M. (2007)
Women's social exclusion.
In: Abrams, D. and Christian, J.N. and Gordon, D. The Multidisciplinary Handbook of Social Exclusion Research. Wiley, Chichester, pp. 17-28. ISBN 9780470095133.
Houston, D.M. (2005)
Personality.
In: Hewstone, M. and Fincham, F. and Foster, J. Psychology. BPS Textbooks in Psychology. Blackwell, Oxford, pp. 292-313. ISBN 9780631206781.
Houston, D.M. and Marks, G. (2005)
Working, caring and sharing: Work-life dilemmas in early motherhood.
In: Houston, D.M. Work Life Balance in the Twenty-First Century. Future of Work. Palgrave Macmillan, London, pp. 80-105. ISBN 9781403920621.
Monographs
Abrams, D. and Houston, D.M. (2006)
Equality, Diversity and Prejudice in Britain: Results from the 2005 National Survey: Report for the Cabinet OfficeEqualities Review October 2006.
project_report. DTI London
Abstract
Britain is an increasingly diverse and multifaceted society.
Consequently, manifestations of inequality, prejudice and
discrimination are potentially becoming more varied and
complex. The meaning of equality itself is a matter of
considerable debate. Perceptions, attitudes, stereotypes
and emotions permeate social relationships between
groups, whether conflictual or harmonious. How are
different groups perceived? How do images of different
groups map onto prejudice? To what extent do people
experience prejudice directed against themselves? There
is increasing interest in whether Britain is becoming a
more or less tolerant, accepting or indeed coherent
society.
This report describes the findings of a survey which
employed social psychological methods and measures to
assess a range of different aspects of prejudice towards
six significant groups in British society defined by
gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, disability and religion.
The report examines the values people espouse, their
experiences, and their expressions of prejudice, the
extent that political correctness may affect expressions
of prejudice, the social stereotypes underpinning
prejudice, whether prejudice is expressed differently
towards different types of group, and the extent to which
British society is perceived as a cohesive whole or as
being formed of distinct and separate groups. It also
explores whether prejudice is predominantly an issue of
personal attitudes or whether it is rooted more in the
relationships between particular social groups.
Research Reports
Houston, D.M. (2003)
Social Inclusion in Work and Family.
Abstract
Invited Paper by ESRC Social Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace Seminar, University of Exeter.
Houston, D.M. (2000)
Attribution, Social Comparison and Academic Performance: ESRC Small Grants Scheme End of Award Report to ESRC.
Economic and Social Research Council
Abstract
The project will explore the manner in which young people aged 15-19 explain and evaluate their academic performance. Houston (1994) found that high ability individuals may explain their success and failure in a different manner from those who are less able, and differently from that predicted by previous research. The research will explore patterns of attribution, social comparison and achievement as a function of ability in both high and low status, selective and non selective, educational settings. A questionnaire survey will be conducted at three points during the academic year - in the first term, then just before GCSE, A level and college exams, and then on receipt of exam results. This will provide empirical data on the social psychological processes of attribution and social comparison as well as information about the academic aspirations, attitudes and performance of young people in a wide range of schools and colleges.
Houston, D.M. and Marks, G. (2000)
Employment choices for mothers of pre school children: A psychological perspective.
Economic and Social Research Council
Abstract
Since the 1970s the rate of change in the pattern of womens working lives has started to increase and this is particularly true of women with pre-school children. Approximately fifty percent of women with children under five now work. To date, research into womens participation in the labour force has tended to document trends and predict future changes. It has not provided information about the reasons why some women return to employment after childbirth and others dont, or how much choice women really feel they have in making such a decision. The current research project involves a longitudinal questionnaire study of over 300 women who are about to have their first child. The aim of the research is to examine the psychological processes and demographic variables behind womens decisions about work and childcare patterns. The research will explore changes in attitudes, beliefs, norms and identity as a function of becoming a mother and beginning a new pattern of work and/or childcare. The impact of employment/childcare choices on family relationships and psychological well being will also be examined
Other
Houston, D.M. (2000)
Report to the Women and Equality Unit at the Cabinet Office.
Not known.
Abstract
Houston, D.M. (2000) Families and Work. Report to the Women and Equality Unit at the Cabinet Office.
Current Research Students
Jennifer Degnan-Smith: Women's careers, in particular, flexible and part- time working
2005 2007 |
D.M. Houston and J. Degnan Smith |
£3,500 |
2003 2006 |
D M Houston |
£148,000 |
2000 2003 |
D M Houston and G Marks |
£108,560 |
2000 2003 |
D M Houston and G Marks |
£80,510 |
1998 2002 |
D M Houston and G Marks |
£9600 |
1998 2000 |
D M Houston |
£45,000 |
1998 2000 |
D M Houston and G Marks |
£84,880 |
University of Kent
Dean of the Graduate School
National
Academician in the Academy of Social Sciences
Member of the European Association of Experimental Social Psychology.
Member of the British Psychological Society and British Sociological Association
Examiner for ESRC research studentship competition awards.
Member of the advisory board for the Gender Equality Network (GeNet), part of the ESRC Priority Network Programme.
From 2005-2008 I was Chair of the British Psychological Society, Social Psychology Section
From 2003 – 2007 I was Research Strategy Advisor to the Woman and Equality Unit in the Department of Trade and Industry.
From 2003 – 2006 I was Academic Advisor to the UK’s Women and Work Commission.
I have worked in an advisory capacity for a number of organisations including: the Department for Work and Pensions, The Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, The Equal Opportunities Commission and the Equalities Review in the Cabinet Office.
Professor Diane Houston
Dean of the Graduate School
Cornwallis South East
Office: Cornwallis SE19
Tel. +44 (0)1227 824621
Diane Houston Email: D.M.Houston@kent.ac.uk
School of Psychology
Keynes College
University of Kent
Canterbury, Kent
CT2 7NP
United Kingdom
Tel. +44 (0)1227 827933
Fax. +44 (0)1227 827030
Office: Keynes E1.02
Office hours: Please contact for an appointment