A challenge-hindrance perspective on the relationship between job demands, self-regulatory capacity, and employee physical activity

Abstract

Previous research has found that job demands can have a negative effect on employee physical activity after work. However, the evidence has been mixed and inconclusive. Here, we argue that this is due to most previous studies treating job demands as a broad composite variable, encompassing qualitatively different aspects of job demands. Blending the ideas of the challenge-hindrance framework with the physical-activity-mediated-Demand-Control model, we hypothesise that day-level hindrance demands are negatively related to physical activity, whereas we do not assume such a relationship for challenge demands. Furthermore, drawing on self-regulation research, we argue that the effect of day-level hindrance demands on physical activity is mediated by temporary self-regulatory capacity. We analysed data from 208 employees who participated in a 14-day experience sampling study including two daily reports. Our results support the hypothesis that day-level hindrance demands, but not challenge demands, are negatively related to physical activity. Furthermore, temporary self-regulatory capacity mediated the relationship between hindrance demands and physical activity. In conclusion, our findings highlight the importance of differentiating between challenge and hindrance demands for advancing our theoretical understanding of job demands as predictors of employee physical activity after work. In addition, our research contributes to refining the pamDC model.