Recovery experiences: The importance of activities with regulatory rest
Abstract
Fatigue is a pervasive problem in the workforce with far-reaching performance and well-being consequences yet knowledge of how to effectively counteract fatigue still eludes the field. Drawing from multiple theoretical perspectives and focusing on Attention Restoration Theory, the underlying processes associated with rest are proposed. Rest is theorized to occur when regulatory resources rest, not simply from break activities. Break activities with the qualities of fascination, being away, extent, and compatibility may support recovery processes. An experience sampling study was conducted to further understanding of how break activity qualities affect subsequent performance and well-being episodes. Results indicate that restorative break activities within the workday significantly affect both attention and well-being within the same two-hour period of the break. Restorative evening activities were not shown to greatly affect next day attention and well-being. In addition, one's chronic level of depletion, measured by burnout level, influenced performance and well-being outcomes directly, but rarely influenced the relationship between restorative breaks and outcomes.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Weiss, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Occupational health|Occupational psychology
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