Availability Expectations and Psychological Detachment: The Role of Work-related Smartphone Use during Non-work Hours and Segmentation Preference

Abstract

This study examined the associations among availability expectations, work-related smartphone use during non-work hours, and psychological detachment from work. In addition, we studied the role of segmentation preference in these associations. A total of 223 employees completed an online questionnaire. We hypothesized that smartphone use during non-work hours partially mediates the negative relationship between availability expectations and psychological detachment. We expected that segmentation preference would moderate this mediation effect. Finally, we examined the direction of this abovementioned moderating effect. The results supported our hypotheses and revealed a weak mediating effect of smartphone use during non-work hours on the relationship between availability expectations and psychological detachment. Moreover, the mediating effect is more substantial for people with low segmentation preferences. Furthermore, the practical implications of these findings are discussed.