Can’t get work off my mind: The effect of nonwork goal reflection on after-work rumination and well-being

Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

3-2026

Abstract

Many employees lament that their inability to stop ruminating about work during nonwork time is one of their most significant work-related challenges, yet limited research has articulated actionable strategies to address this issue on a day-to-day basis. Integrating goal shielding theory with rumination theory, our model introduces nonwork goal reflection as a deliberate behavioral intervention employees can engage in to curtail work-related rumination, in a way that facilitates well-being during nonwork time. Specifically, we argue that engaging in nonwork goal reflection—where employees intentionally reflect on nonwork goals to be completed during their nonwork time—can curtail work-related rumination and is associated with enhanced well-being. Additionally, our model identifies employee workaholism as a boundary condition: The benefits of nonwork goal reflection for rumination (and well-being) are weaker (vs. stronger) for employees higher (vs. lower) in workaholism. We conducted a field experimental experience sampling study that supports our theoretical model. Additionally, we conducted several supplemental studies that enhance theoretical rigor and precision by examining the underlying assumptions of our model. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.

Keywords

rumination, goals, well-being, workaholism

Discipline

Organizational Behavior and Theory

Research Areas

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources

Areas of Excellence

Sustainability

Publication

Journal of Applied Psychology

Volume

111

Issue

4

First Page

442

Last Page

467

ISSN

0021-9010

Identifier

10.1037/apl0001325

Publisher

American Psychological Association

Copyright Owner and License

APA

External URL

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2026-89087-001

Additional URL

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0001325

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