Dana Sumpter Publishes Study on Post-Maternity Leave Reentry and Workplace Relationships in The Journal of Vocational Behavior

Pepperdine Graziadio faculty member, Dr. Dana Sumpter, has co-authored a significant study on the complexities of returning to work after maternity leave, published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior. The study, titled "Others Matter When Mothers Return: An Investigation of Relational Movement and Its Role in Post-Maternity Leave Reentry Transitions," explores the relational dynamics mothers experience as they reintegrate into the workplace.

Co-authored by Dr. Danna Greenberg and Dr. Emily Rosado-Solomon, the research uncovers the critical role that work-based relationships play during the reentry phase. Drawing on qualitative data from academic mothers, the study identifies two patterns of relational change—relational enrichment and relational detachment—both of which significantly impact the returning mothers’ feelings of self-efficacy and well-being.

The findings shed light on how these relational shifts influence a mother’s ability to readjust to her professional life post-maternity leave. Dr. Sumpter’s research not only advances the understanding of the challenges mothers face in navigating work-life transitions but also emphasizes the need for organizations to consider relational dynamics as a key factor in fostering a supportive environment for working mothers.

This study contributes to the broader discourse on work-family transitions and relational theory, providing a vital perspective for employers and colleagues seeking to support women in their return to the workforce.

Read the full publication here.