Workaholism’s hidden cost: decoding burnout and cynicism through psychological distress and the buffering power of psychological capital

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the impact of workaholism on burnout and cynicism in the healthcare sector, using the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. It also examines the mediating role of psychological distress (PSYDST) and the moderating effect of psychological capital (PSYCAP) on the relationships between workaholism (WRKHOL), burnout (BRNOUT), and cynicism. METHODS: Data were collected from 357 healthcare workers in Taxila and Wah Cantt, Pakistan, across three time waves. At Time 1, workaholism and psychological capital were measured. At Time 2, psychological distress was assessed after a three-week lag, and at Time 3, burnout and cynicism were measured. RESULTS: The findings reveal that workaholism significantly and positively influences both burnout and cynicism. Psychological distress mediates this relationship, while psychological capital moderates the effect of workaholism on psychological distress. CONCLUSION: The cross-sectional nature of the data limits the ability to determine causality, suggesting the need for future longitudinal studies to confirm these results across different regions or industries. The study offers valuable implications for healthcare organizations, emphasizing the need for strategies to manage workaholism and its adverse effects. By exploring the combined effects of workaholism on burnout and cynicism, as well as the roles of psychological distress and psychological capital, this research makes a significant contribution to the literature on employee well-being in healthcare settings.