Public attitudes towards individuals with bipolar disorder in the workplace

This study examined public attitudes toward working alongside someone with Bipolar Disorder (BD). Participants (N = 618) randomized to a vignette completed the Attitudes toward Individuals with BD in the Workplace Scale assessing attitudes toward social acceptability, competency, reliability, advancement, and job demotion/loss. Multiple linear regressions found individuals with BD at work are viewed more positively when experiencing hypomania compared to depression (ps < .05). Additional factors associated with more positive attitudes included previous experience with BD and one's own personal experience having BD (ps < .05). These findings may inform efforts to improve work outcomes for individuals with BD.