How do negative emotions regulate the effects of workplace aggression on counterproductive work behaviours?

Abstract

The theoretical framework of the study was the Stressors-Emotions model (Spector et al., 2005). The aim of the study was to investigate the mediating role of job-related negative affectivity, and the moderating role of emotional suppression in the relationship between workplace aggression and counterproductive work behaviour (CWB). It was expected that workplace aggression would be linked to CWB directly and indirectly (through increase of job-related negative affectivity) and that suppression of negative emotions would intensify the effects of workplace aggression. Two hundred and five nurses participated in the study. The regression analysis with interactional effect was applied to test the research hypotheses. The results confirmed the direct and the indirect effect of workplace aggression on CWB. Two of the three analyzed emotions (anger and anxiety but not unhappiness) moderated the effects of workplace aggression on jobrelated negative affectivity and CWB. Results of the study partially support the notion of the Stress-Emotion model and provide further insight into processes that lead to CWB.