The Endless Pursuit for Self-Validation through Attainment: An Examination of Self-Esteem as a Moderator in the Relationship between Workaholism and Work Stress

Abstract

In the current study, we sought to investigate the relationship between workaholism and work stress in the context of self-esteem. Previous research has examined the link between workaholism and self-esteem. However, conflicting evidence suggests a more complex association, potentially with a third variable. The current research is a unique contribution to the literature because it examines self-esteem as a moderator in the relationship between workaholism and work stress. A survey with three self-report measures was administered to a heterogeneous sample of professionals from a large Southeastern university and a large manufacturing organization. In support of previous research, a positive relationship between workaholism and work stress was found, as well as a significant negative relationship between workaholism and self-esteem. Additionally, a negative relationship was found between self-esteem and work stress. Furthermore, we examined whether self-esteem acted as a moderator on the positive relationship between workaholism and work stress. However, the moderation effect was found to be insignificant. Implications of this research are relevant to human resource professionals, as the current study findings aim to better identify employees who are at-risk for workaholic behaviors and, therefore, more susceptible to health concerns and diminished productivity. Avenues for future research were also discussed.