Emotional labor and counterproductive work behaviors: The moderating role of trait rumination

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the moderating effect of trait rumination on the relationship between emotional labor and counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs). Although past research has been minimal in linking these constructs, present study findings contribute to their importance. One hundred and fifteen undergraduate students were recruited from a large, public university. Results indicated that emotional labor characterized as deep acting was more strongly related to CWBs than surface acting. Findings further suggested that while deep acting and frequent engagement in emotional labor decreased CWBs, surface acting, as well as rumination, related to higher propensities toward CWBs. Finally, the relationship between surface acting and CWBs was moderated by rumination, such that low ruminators who increased their engagement in surface acting committed more CWBs, where high ruminators committed less CWBs. This relationship was primarily driven by the effect on surface acting for those low in trait rumination.