Recovery from job stress: The stressor‐detachment model as an integrative framework

DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1002/job.1924
URL:	https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/j...
Additional URL:	https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261602550...
Document Type:	Article
Year of publication:	2015
The title of a journal, publication series:	Journal of Organizational Behavior : OB
Volume:	36
Issue number:	S1
Page range:	S72-S103
Place of publication:	Chichester, Sussex
Publishing house:	Wiley
ISSN:	0894-3796 , 1099-1379
Publication language:	English
Institution:	School of Social Sciences > Arbeits- u. Organisationspsychologie (Sonnentag 2010-)
Subject:	150 Psychology
Keywords (English):	job stressors , detachment , strain , impaired well-being
Abstract:	This paper reviews empirical evidence on psychological detachment from work during nonwork time. Psychological detachment as a core recovery experience refers to refraining from job‐related activities and thoughts during nonwork time; it implies to mentally disengage from one's job while being away from work. Using the stressor‐detachment model as an organizing framework, we describe findings from between‐person and within‐person studies, relying on cross‐sectional, longitudinal, and daily‐diary designs. Overall, research shows that job stressors, particularly workload, predict low levels of psychological detachment. A lack of detachment in turn predicts high strain levels and poor individual well‐being (e.g., burnout and lower life satisfaction). Psychological detachment seems to be both a mediator and a moderator in the relationship between job stressors on the one hand and strain and poor well‐being on the other hand. We propose possible extensions of the stressor‐detachment model by suggesting moderator variables grounded in the transactional stress model. We further discuss avenues for future research and offer practical implications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.