This Is AuburnElectronic Theses and Dissertations

Boundary Control and Employee Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Interruptions and Moderating Effect of an Office Space

Date

2022-12-08

Author

Cook, Peter

Type of Degree

Master's Thesis

Department

Psychological Sciences

Restriction Status

EMBARGOED

Restriction Type

Auburn University Users

Date Available

12-08-2025

Abstract

Using boundary theory and COR as theoretical frameworks, the goal of this study is to propose and assess a moderated mediation model of boundary control as a predictor of stress and life satisfaction in involuntary remote workers, with interruptions from work by family as a mediator and a home office space as moderator. Participants for this three wave, time-lagged study (N = 278) were recruited during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Spring 2020 via MTurk. The findings indicated that interruptions mediated the relationship between boundary control and stress, but not life satisfaction. Additionally, having an office space served as a moderator for the boundary control and interruptions relationship. Lastly, I found moderated mediation effects for stress, but not for life satisfaction. The implications for individuals and organizations are discussed, as both consider adopting remote work in the future.