Abstract
This study examined, using a within-person design, how fluctuations in work-related affective rumination and problem-solving pondering are related to recovery and well-being (N=171; 677 day-level data points over five consecutive work days). We hypothesized that trait self-regulation moderates the relationship between problem-solving during the evening and the state of being recovered at bedtime. We analyzed our data using a moderated multilevel mediation approach. The results showed that affective rumination during the evening was indirectly related to impaired well-being in the subsequent morning through its negative relationship with the state of being recovered at bedtime. Problem-solving was indirectly related to well-being in the subsequent morning through its relationship with the state of being recovered at bedtime. However, this indirect effect was moderated by trait self-regulation in a way that problem-solving pondering was positively related to the state of being recovered, and consequently, to improved well-being for employees higher in self-regulation, whereas it was negatively related to the state of being recovered, and consequently, to impaired well-being for those lower in self-regulation. These findings suggest that problem-solving pondering may be beneficial or unfavorable for recovery and well-being depending on the degree to which employees can regulate their cognitions and feelings.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 629-641 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2018 |
Keywords
- Work-related rumination
- problem-solving
- recovery
- psychological well-being
- self-regulation
- COGNITIVE ACTIVATION THEORY
- OFF-JOB TIME
- PSYCHOLOGICAL DETACHMENT
- POSITIVE AFFECT
- EGO DEPLETION
- PERSEVERATIVE COGNITION
- MULTILEVEL MODELS
- UNFINISHED TASKS
- NEGATIVE AFFECT
- RUMINATION