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The Impact of Optimism and Internal Locus of Control on Workers’ Well-Being, A Multi-Group Model Analysis before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Valeria Micheletto

    (Department of Business, Law, Economics & Consumption “Carlo A. Ricciardi”, Università IULM, 20143 Milan, Italy)

  • Margherita Zito

    (Department of Business, Law, Economics & Consumption “Carlo A. Ricciardi”, Università IULM, 20143 Milan, Italy)

  • Massimo Bustreo

    (Department of Business, Law, Economics & Consumption “Carlo A. Ricciardi”, Università IULM, 20143 Milan, Italy)

  • Giorgio Gabrielli

    (Department of Business, Law, Economics & Consumption “Carlo A. Ricciardi”, Università IULM, 20143 Milan, Italy)

  • Riccardo Circi

    (Department of Business, Law, Economics & Consumption “Carlo A. Ricciardi”, Università IULM, 20143 Milan, Italy)

  • Vincenzo Russo

    (Department of Business, Law, Economics & Consumption “Carlo A. Ricciardi”, Università IULM, 20143 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis led to changes in different areas of workers’ lives, as well as repercussions in stress management, social relationships, and perception of personal and professional growth. Considering this, well-being in the workplace is crucial to carrying out effective activities and performance, and it is also essential to verifying the impact of the pandemic on the current situation of workers’ overall well-being. The study investigates the mediation of Personal Growth (PG) between two personal resources at work, Internal Locus (LOCI) and Optimism (OPT), on the Pemberton Happiness Index (PHI), an important multi-faceted indicator of well-being. This study was conducted on respondents performing professions ( n = 666), both before (2019, n = 410) and during the pandemic (2020, n = 256). The relationships were tested simultaneously using a multi-group structural equation model (MPLUS7). The estimated model shows that personal resources at work increase PG (LOCI mostly during the pandemic; OPT mostly before the pandemic); OPT directly increases PHI; PG increases PHI (mostly before the pandemic); and personal resources increase through PG and PHI (LOCI more during the pandemic; OPT more before the pandemic). The study is cross-sectional, as it was not possible to compare the same workers over two years. The research offers ideas for activation of training programs, support and development of individual resources, and personal growth aimed at improving well-being and the work experience for workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Valeria Micheletto & Margherita Zito & Massimo Bustreo & Giorgio Gabrielli & Riccardo Circi & Vincenzo Russo, 2022. "The Impact of Optimism and Internal Locus of Control on Workers’ Well-Being, A Multi-Group Model Analysis before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:11:y:2022:i:12:p:559-:d:987979
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    References listed on IDEAS

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