Predictors of decent work within psychology of working theory: A meta-analysis

Drawing from the psychology of working theory (PWT), in the present study, meta-analytic techniques were used to examine predictors of decent work attainment. 38 published studies were identified which (a) measured decent work using PWT's conceptualization, (b) gathered data with working adults, and (c) included one or more PWT proposed predictor variables (economic constraints, marginalization experiences, work volition, career adaptability). Findings from the meta-analytic path analysis suggested all four constructs were significant predictors of decent work, with work volition being the strongest predictor and serving as a robust mediator connecting economic constraints and marginalization experiences to decent work. An alternative, more parsimonious model only including work volition as a mediator (but not career adaptability) was also tested, yielding relatively similar fit and variance accounted for. Finally, several small but meaningful differences existed when examining overall model fit and path estimates according to sample demographics and types of assessment tools to measure the economic constraints, marginalization, and career adaptability constructs. Recommendations are provided for future research and practice for those interested in understanding what factors may promote decent work attainment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).