Change in Job Satisfaction Negatively Predicts Change in Retirement Intentions

Abstract

Based on theorizing about the dynamic relationship between change in job satisfaction and turnover intentions, this study examined the effect of change in job satisfaction on subsequent change in retirement intentions among older workers. It was hypothesized that change in job satisfaction negatively predicts subsequent change in retirement intentions. Data for this study came from 189 older workers between 45 and 81 years who responded to 3 surveys across 1 year. Consistent with expectations, results of a latent change score model showed that change in job satisfaction over 6 months negatively predicted change in retirement intentions over the following 6 months. Results of an alternative causal model and a full bivariate latent change score model additionally showed that change in retirement intentions did not significantly predict subsequent change in job satisfaction. Implications for future research and practice regarding the dynamic effect of job satisfaction on retirement intentions are discussed.