Abstract
The uncertainty of today’s working environment, including prevalence of temporary employment conditions in many industries, has affected the psychological well-being of people in the workforce. Psychological well-being affects all aspects of a person’s life, including: pleasure, job satisfaction and fulfilment, and life meaning (Seligman, 2002). Previous studies have investigated how Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and Core Self-evaluations (CSE) are positively related to job satisfaction and performance, but there is little research on the relationships of PsyCap and CSE with psychological well-being (PWB). This present study explored the relationships among PsyCap, CSE, and PWB in a convenience workplace sample of 121 Australian working adults. Results revealed that both PsyCap (involving hope, optimism, resilience and self-efficacy) and CSE (involving evaluations of one’s own locus of control, self-esteem, generalised self-efficacy, and adaptive vs ‘neurotic’ behaviour) were separately positive predictors of wellbeing, consistent with previous studies. There were overlaps in concepts but both PsyCap and CSE together predicted higher levels of well-being than either alone, and CSE was found to be a partial mediator between PsyCap and well-being indicating that both elements were needed in prediction of well-being. Practical implications include that PsyCap and CSE measures can be used together in the workplace in assessment, selection, training and development to help improve the quality of health and well-being of employees. Limitations and future research directions are indicated.
Highlights
Despite extensive recent research investigating the relationship between Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and job satisfaction and performance (e.g., Avey, Luthans, Smith, & Palmer, 2010), presently just a few studies (e.g., Culbertson, Fullagar, & Mills, 2010) have explored the relationship between PsyCap and traits associated with well-being
We examine psychological well-being in more detail with special attention to Ryff’s model of well-being and the associated scale commonly used to measure well-being and examine psychological qualities and core self evaluations of individuals as we seek to understand how individuals cope and how they may be helped to cope better
This study filled a gap in the literature by examining the joint contributions of PsyCap and Core Self-Evaluations (CSE) to psychological well-being (PWB), using an employee-based and not a student-based sample
Summary
Despite extensive recent research investigating the relationship between Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and job satisfaction and performance (e.g., Avey, Luthans, Smith, & Palmer, 2010), presently just a few studies (e.g., Culbertson, Fullagar, & Mills, 2010) have explored the relationship between PsyCap and traits associated with well-being. The current study investigated the personal PsyCap state-like resources and personal Core Self-Evaluations (CSE) trait-like resources, and their relationships with well-being. By understanding and recognising the need to support the wellbeing of employees, organisations can place greater emphasis on intervention programs that strengthen PsyCap and increase positive personality traits in the workplace (Russo & Stoykova, 2015). It is beneficial for the organisation, because employees with elevated wellbeing tend to take fewer sick-leave days, are more productive, and have greater organisational commitment (Rath & Harter, 2010). Investigating the relationship between state-like PsyCap and the mediating effect of CSE that contribute to wellbeing may shed some light on this question
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
