Forgetting work after work and reviving with full energy at work? A research on the double-edged sword mechanism...

There is currently a divergence in mainstream research regarding the relationship between psychological detachment and work engagement. This study proposes that it is necessary to differentiate psychological detachment behavior (PDB) from psychological detachment state (PDS). This study examines the dual positive and negative associations between PDB and work engagement, as well as the underlying mechanisms, based on the integrative need model of crafting. Additionally, it examines the moderating roles of task characteristics, such as task urgency, difficulty, and importance. Using the experience sampling method, this study analyzed 3634 valid questionnaires collected from 513 employees over 2 weeks, spanning 10 working days. The results suggest the following: First, PDB is positively associated with higher PDS, which is positively associated with work engagement. Second, PDB is positively associated with greater emotional exhaustion, which is negatively associated with work engagement. Third, task urgency, difficulty, and importance negatively moderate the relationship between PDB and PDS, whereas they positively moderate the relationship between PDB and emotional exhaustion. Finally, as task urgency/difficulty/importance increases, the positive relationship between PDB and work engagement mediated by PDS becomes weaker. Conversely, as task urgency/difficulty/importance decreases, the negative relationship between PDB and work engagement mediated by emotional exhaustion gradually weakens and may even disappear. This study explains the dual-edged sword mechanism of PDB on work engagement and its boundary conditions based on the integrative need model of crafting, thereby providing an integrated explanation for the previously contradictory findings, especially revealing the negative mechanism through which PDB relateds to work engagement Given these findings, this study devises management strategies to help enhance employees' PDS, reduce emotional exhaustion, and improve their work engagement.