Socializing to recover from work stress: the benefits of acting extraverted

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of socializing, or activities that are characterized by social interaction, on recovery from work stress. Drawing from consistent findings in personality research, we hypothesized that individuals who measure high in extraversion receive the greatest recovery benefits from socializing, and that this relationship is mediated by state positive affect. An online assessment was administered to 238 participants to measure trait extraversion, trait and state affect, and factors related to their social activities across two recent time periods. Hypotheses were tested using correlational and regression-based techniques. The findings provide support for a relationship between state positive affect and recovery from work stress. Contribution during social activities (i.e. acting extraverted) predicted state positive affect while controlling for trait extraversion.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Author dc:creator

• Harste, Robert

Contributors dc:contributor

• Cunningham, Christopher J. L.
• Rogers, Katherine H.; O'Leary, Brian J.
• College of Arts and Sciences

• Stress management
• Work-life balance
• Work -- Psychological aspects

Licence

• https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en

Language dc:language

English, eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/454

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.utc.edu:theses-1599