Expanding deep acting: Effects of engagement and disengagement deep acting on emotional exhaustion.

Abstract

Despite a well-supported and consistent link with surface acting, emotional exhaustion has routinely displayed an unclear and mixed relationship with deep acting. The purpose of this study was to gather insight into this ambiguity. Using a multiphasic sample (n = 207) and drawing upon the process model of emotion regulation, we tested whether deep acting may encompass two distinct dimensions, namely engagement regulation (i.e., connecting with the emotional source) and disengagement regulation (i.e., avoiding the emotional source), and whether these two distinct strategies could explain the inconsistent linkages with emotional exhaustion. Results from Hotelling-Williams comparisons, confirmatory factor analysis, and regression show support for a three-factor model of engagement, disengagement, and surface acting, particularly as these relate to emotional exhaustion. The appropriateness, measurement, and insights provided by a more nuanced and modern approach to emotional labor strategies are discussed.

Age and Burnout: The Mediating Role of Emotion-Regulation Strategies

“…These strategies can be arranged into two categories, adaptive and maladaptive, which aim to reinforce positive emotions and decrease negative ones, leading to greater emotional balance and psychological well-being (Gross and John 2003;Johnson et al 2017;Lawrence et al 2011;Lazarus and Alfert 1964). Maladaptive techniques, such as expressive suppression, include efforts to control emotional expression (Gross 1998;Mann et al 2024;Kozubal et al 2023). This strategy has been associated with negative outcomes and has been considered an ineffective method of emotion regulation (Gross 1998;Kozubal et al 2023).…”

“…This strategy has been associated with negative outcomes and has been considered an ineffective method of emotion regulation (Gross 1998;Kozubal et al 2023). On the other hand, cognitive reappraisal has been found to be an efficient adaptive strategy with positive impacts (Mann et al 2024;Kozubal et al 2023;Troy et al 2018). It is a fundamental aspect of emotional intelligence, which is important for interpersonal relationships, decision-making, and global mental health.…”