Abstract
A rigorous quasi-experiment tested the ameliorative effects of a sabbatical leave, a special case of respite from routine work. We hypothesized that (a) respite increases resource level and well-being and (b) individual differences and respite features moderate respite effects. A sample of 129 faculty members on sabbatical and 129 matched controls completed measures of resource gain, resource loss, and well-being before, during, and after the sabbatical. Among the sabbatees, resource loss declined and resource gain and well-being rose during the sabbatical. The comparison group showed no change. Moderation analysis revealed that those who reported higher respite self-efficacy and greater control, were more detached, had a more positive sabbatical experience, and spent their sabbatical outside their home country enjoyed more enhanced well-being than others.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 953-964 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Psychology |
Volume | 95 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2010 |
Keywords
- Conservation of resources theory
- Respite
- Sabbatical
- Stress
- Well-being