Task absorption analysis in the job demands-resources theory : An episodic perspective

Abstract

This dissertation offers an episodic view of job demands and resources (JD-R) theory, showing that task characteristics are related to episodic task absorption, namely that episodic task absorption fluctuates synchronously as a function of concurrent appraisals of demands and resources. Furthermore, I delivered empirical evidence for the episodic process model (EPM) proposition that attention facilitates performance during an episode, namely that episodic task absorption positively relates to task performance, using evidence from physiological, behavioral, and self-reported data. In this study, demand and resource levels change during repeated decision-making episodes. The levels of demands and resources generate different levels of task absorption that consequently cause different levels of task performance. Therefore, task absorption would vary within the task. The results of this study can be used for time management and job recovery programs, and highlight the importance of physiological measures that can complement self-reported measures and provide a more objective indicator of task absorption. All in all, I offer an episodic view of JD-R theory, showing that demands and resources can be related to episodic task absorption. This dissertation is the first approximation of episodic task absorption. It makes an incremental contribution that can supplement the JD-R theory and delivers empirical evidence to the EPM. Finally, it verifies the importance of experimental studies and lays the groundwork for future research.