The relationship between multiple roles and psychological well-being

Considering the cognitive relatedness of roles

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between multiple role involvement and psychological well-being. Multiple roles were hypothesized to enhance people's well-being through a buffering effect and through resource appropriation, but were also hypothesized to decrease well-being through resource depletion. This study also examined self-complexity since previous work suggested that cognitive relatedness among roles would have a stronger impact on psychological well-being than mere number of roles. Survey data from 272 college students were used, and the results of multiple regression analysis suggested that having more independent roles activates resource utilization across different roles, which enhances psychological well-being.