JD-R model on psychological well-being and the moderating effect of job discrimination in the model: Findings from the MIDUS

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the moderating effect of chronic job discrimination on the relationships among job demands, job resources, personal resources and psychological well-being among aged workers. Design/methodology/approach This study used “National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS Refresher)” data collected from 862 aged workers in the United States from 2011-2014. A moderated multiple regression analysis was adopted. Findings The results of the multiple regression analysis show that skill discretion, self-esteem, optimism and active coping had positive effects on psychological well-being, while chronic job discrimination had a negative effect on psychological well-being. Co-worker support, supervisor support, job demands and decision-making authority were not significant. Among the interaction terms, the moderating effect between optimism and chronic job discrimination was significant. Originality/value Based on the results, this study offers implications for understanding the effects of job discrimination in the workplace among aged workers and their perceived psychological well-being, in the context of job demands and resources (JD-R) model.