The mediating and moderating role of affective rumination between work interruptions and well-being.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to examine whether physical health and well-being are affected by work rumination and the role of work interruptions as job events. It was hypothesized that stressful work interruptions, would be related to affective rumination, psychosomatic symptoms and poorer general health.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of work rumination in the relationship between work interruptions, physical and general well-being.

METHODS

Self-reports of distressing work interruptions, psychosomatic symptoms and general health data were gathered from employees (N = 139) from diverse occupational groups.

RESULTS

Affective rumination acted as a partial mediator (β= 0.37) and moderator (β= 0.24) in the relationship between stressful work interruptions and psychosomatic symptoms. As a mediator affective rumination explains 34.8% of the effect of work interruptions on psychosomatic symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Affective rumination about work hinders psycho-physiological recovery, and such an effect relates to stressful work interruptions. Implications for future research are discussed.