Challenge versus hindrance job demands and well-being: A diary study on the moderating role of job resources

The present study among 158 primary school teachers in Croatia integrated the challenge-hindrance stressor framework in job demands-resources (JD-R) theory. We hypothesized that hindrance job demands would be negatively related to well-being and that job resources could buffer this relationship. In addition, we hypothesized that challenge job demands would be positively related to well-being and that job resources would boost this relationship. The study employed a quantitative daily diary methodology. Teachers filled out a background questionnaire and a daily diary booklet for three to five consecutive workdays (N = 438 occasions). Results of multilevel analyses showed that daily hindrance job demands had a negative relationship with daily positive affect and work engagement. Daily job resources buffered this relationship. In contrast, daily challenge job demands had a positive relationship with positive affect and work engagement. Daily job resources boosted this relationship. We discuss the implications of these findings for JD-R theory and practice.