Application of the person-centered model to stress and well-being research: An investigation of profiles of employee well-being

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate profiles of employee well-being using multiple components to better understand how well-being is experienced in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey design with 579 health care workers in the USA was administered. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify well-being profile groups.

Findings

Six well-being profile groups based on the relative levels of work stress, carry-over stress and job satisfaction were identified. Profile groups differed with respect to intention to remain in the organization and occupation, and job search behavior.

Practical implications

Models of well-being at work have generated consistently disappointing results that have not enhanced the development of programs to increase well-being at work. By identifying patterns of well-being, this study offers insights into how well-being is experienced so that more targeted programs to promote it can be implemented.

Originality/value

Although there is increased interest in the person-centered model in organizational research, it has not been applied to psychological well-being at work. This study represents an initial attempt to study configurations of well-being based on its components. Results indicate that distinct patterns of well-being are present, and those patterns are useful in gaining a greater understanding of how well-being is experienced and in how it can be more effectively managed.

Citation

Somers, M., Birnbaum, D. and Casal, J. (2019), "Application of the person-centered model to stress and well-being research: An investigation of profiles of employee well-being", Employee Relations, Vol. 41 No. 4, pp. 649-661. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-06-2018-0154