The multidimensionality of psychological overemployment: Development and initial validation of a new scale

Abstract

Recent qualitative research has expanded the traditional definition of overemployment—typically understood in economics and sociology as a mismatch between actual and preferred working hours—by conceptualizing it as a multidimensional psychological construct. However, research still lacks a reasonably complex and statistically validated measure of psychological overemployment. To address this issue, the present research developed and validated a multidimensional Psychological Overemployment Scale (POS)—the first psychometrically tested instrument of its kind. Study 1 (N: 26 and N: 27) generated items and assessed their content validity. Study 2 (N = 303) identified three dimensions of psychological overemployment: work time duration, density, and distribution (on tasks). Study 3 (N = 500) and study 4 (N = 350) tested the reliability and validity of the POS across different samples. Study 5 (N = 254 and N = 267) confirmed the discriminant validity of the POS by demonstrating that its dimensions differ clearly from orbiting constructs. We confirmed the scale’s three-dimensional structure and provided evidence for construct validity by relating the POS to traditional overemployment measures and to work-life balance. We also demonstrated criterion validity by correlating the POS with well-being, job attitudes, and work behavior. Researchers can use the POS to develop knowledge on psychological overemployment, its antecedents and outcomes, and practitioners can apply it to evaluate work flexibilization instruments, for organizational diagnosis, or coaching.