Recovery from Work-Related Strain: The Influence of Technology Use and Proactive Personality

Presenter Information

Kate Wilson, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 201

Start Date

4-4-2011 1:30 PM

End Date

4-4-2011 3:00 PM

Student's Major

Psychology

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Lisa Perez

Mentor's Department

Psychology

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

The widespread use of technology has enabled people to engage in work related behaviors outside of the workplace more than ever before. When emails and phone calls outside of the workplace interfere with recovery practices such as psychological detachment, relaxation and mastery experiences; individuals are prone to increased levels of strain. Individuals with proactive personality traits tend to take more initiative than those without and subsequently may take on more work projects. The relationship between proactive personality and recovery will be explored to determine whether proactive individuals are likely to carry more strain because of the amount of work they take on or if they carry less strain because they proactively engage in recovery experiences. We will also examine the relationship between being connected to work technologically while not at work and the ability to effectively detach at the end of the workday. Participants completed an online survey assessing demographics, proactive personality, recovery experiences, strain and technology in the workplace. The implications for personal well-being and work performance will be discussed.