Costs of simultaneous coping with emotional dissonance and self-control demands at work: results from two German samples

J Appl Psychol. 2011 May;96(3):643-53. doi: 10.1037/a0022134.

Abstract

In the present study, we examine interactive effects of emotional dissonance (ED) and self-control demands (SCDs; impulse control, resisting distractions, and overcoming inner resistances) on emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, depressive symptoms, and absenteeism. We derived the prediction of interactive effects from the well-founded theoretical argument that both sources of work stress draw on and compete for a common limited regulatory resource. On the basis of 2 German samples (1 cross-sectional and 1 longitudinal sample; NTOTAL = 367), 7 of the 8 interactions tested were found to explain significant proportions of variance in all 4 outcomes considered over and beyond that accounted for by demographic characteristics, outcome stability (longitudinal sample), and main effects. Consistent with our hypotheses, the positive relations of 1 of both stressors (ED or SCDs) to psychological strain and absenteeism were amplified as a function of the other stressor. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Absenteeism
  • Adult
  • Burnout, Professional / etiology
  • Burnout, Professional / psychology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Data Collection
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Government Agencies
  • Health Personnel / psychology
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Social Control, Informal*
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Workplace / psychology*
  • Young Adult