Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

8-1995

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Major Professor

Jon W. Lounsbury

Committee Members

Larry James, Mike Johnson, Rich Saudargas

Abstract

This study examined the impact of a vacation from work on acute levels of work- stressors, strains, and subjective well-being. In order to assess the duration of a vacation's effects, data were collected at three times: within one week prior to departing on vacation, within one week after returning, and approximately two weeks after returning from a vacation. Additionally, a control group matched as closely as possible to vacationers in terms of job content, age, sex, and tenure was used to minimize threats to internal validity.

A convenience sample of 158 vacationers and 158 control group members was drawn for this study. Demographic analyses resulted in no significant differences between vacationers and controls. All data were collected via questionnaire.

The results for this study suggested that a vacation served to reduce strain despite no differences in perceptions of work-stressors across time. Life satisfaction increased following a vacation, but this effect waned two weeks later. Job satisfaction did not change as a result of a vacation. Job involvement/central-life-interest decreased following a vacation and declined further two weeks later. Also, the moderating effects of pre-vacation strain and vacation constraint were assessed. In addition to these results, limitations and future research issues are discussed.

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