WORKAHOLISM AND WELL-BEING: PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL AS A POTENTIAL MODERATOR

Abstract

In the present study, we examined the relationships between workaholism, psychological capital (PsyCap), and components of well-being (i.e., physical health, mental health, and work stress). Workaholism is conceptualized as a compulsive need to work, and it is related to numerous negative organizational and individual consequences. For that reason, it is imperative that researchers uncover possible variables that can alleviate its harmful effects. Therefore, we investigated the possible moderating role of PsyCap in the workaholism--well-being relationship. The sample consisted of 343 full-time faculty and staff from a large Southeastern university. Results showed workaholism was negatively related to physical and mental health, and positively related to work stress. Additionally, PsyCap had a positive relationship with physical and mental health, and a negative relationship with work stress. Moreover, PsyCap moderated the relationship between workaholism and work stress, such that as PsyCap increased, the relationship between workaholism and work stress weakened. Additionally, PsyCap mediated the relationship between workaholism and mental health, such that higher levels of workaholism predicted lower levels of PsyCap, which in turn predicted diminished mental health. Future directions, organizational implications, and study limitations are also discussed.