Detached concern and well-being: mediating roles of occupational self-efficacy and meaning in work as psychological resources

Objective/Background This study investigates the relationship between Detached Concern (DC) as an emotion-regulating resource in interaction work with clients, and the subjective well-being of human service workers. The mediating roles of occupational self-efficacy and meaning in work are examined as important individual work resources. Research question An empathic approach to work, centering on the client relationship while also maintaining sufficient personal detachment, contributes to well-being mediated via increased self-efficacy and meaning in work. Method Data from N = 527 workers in health care, education, and social services stem from a cross-sectional online questionnaire study. All constructs were measured with validated and reliable scales. The DC-scale for human service professions distinguishes empathic concern and detachment. Statistical analyses used SPSS and Process for conducting separated as well as moderated serial mediation analyses for the two DC components. Results Consistent with hypotheses, positive associations between DC and well-being were statistically mediated successively (in sequence) by occupational self-efficacy and meaningfulness. Full mediation was established for empathic concern and partial mediation for detachment. The analysis further revealed a significant interactive effect of the DC components on self-efficacy within the serial mediation. Conclusions Both DC components fulfill important emotion-related functions related to occupational self-efficacy and meaning in everyday work experiences with clients. These associations can become effective as a source of positive well-being. Raising awareness of and training for a reflexive DC attitude should be integrated in the education curriculum of service providers.