The Impact of Deactivation Uncertainty, Workload, and Organizational Constraints on Reservists' Psychological Well-being and Turnover Intentions

This study assessed the impact of the activation of U.S. Army reservists after terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001. A total of 263 soldiers completed a survey and participated in focus groups. The model's stressors were deactivation uncertainty, workload, and organizational constraints. The outcomes were well-being and turnover intentions. In general, most stressors did predict the proposed outcomes. That is, with high deactivation uncertainty, workload, or organizational constraints, reservists reported low psychological well-being and high turnover intentions. Commanders and policymakers can use our findings when addressing ways to improve reservists' psychological health and to decrease turnover intentions. Specifically, reservists need more predictability and the needed organizational conditions (i.e., proper workload levels and equipment) while activated and deployed to protect our country.