Understanding role stressors and job satisfaction over time using adaptation theory.

2016/08/18 by Kelsey-Jo Ritter, Kelsey‐Jo Ritter, Russell A. Matthews +2 · 97 citations
Business, Management and Accounting · Psychology · #Adaptation (eye) #Applied psychology #Burnout #CLARITY #Clinical psychology #Emotional exhaustion #Empirical research #Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior #Job performance #Job satisfaction #MEDLINE #PsycINFO #Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction #Psychology #Resilience and Mental Health #Role conflict #Social psychology #Stressor #Test (biology)

paper · doi:10.1037/apl0000152

published in Journal of Applied Psychology 101(12), 1655-1669 (American Psychological Association)

openalex publication_date 2016/08/18 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/26

Abstract

In this study, we seek to highlight a potentially fundamental shift in how dynamic stressor-strain relationships should be conceptualized over time. Specifically, we provide an integrated empirical test of adaptation and role theory within a longitudinal framework. Data were collected at 3 time points, with a 6-week lag between time points, from 534 respondents. Using latent change modeling, results supported within-person adaptation to changes in job satisfaction and role conflict. Specifically, over the 12-week course of the study, changes in role clarity tended to be maintained, whereas changes in job satisfaction and role conflict tended to be fleeting and reverse themselves. Theoretical implications and future directions are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

Citations

• The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.
• Role Conflict and Ambiguity in Complex Organizations
• Workplace harassment from the victim's perspective: A theoretical model and meta-analysis.
• The Role-Set: Problems in Sociological Theory

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