178 Chapter 7 Cognitive Mechanism JD-R theory is based on two processes that are primarily physical (i.e., health impairment process) and affective (i.e., motivational process) in nature. However, based on the vitality literature, proactive vitality management has been conceptualized as an overarching construct that may spur physical, affective, as well as cognitive processes. I focused on the cognitive mechanism through which proactive vitality management may relate to favorable outcomes in Chapter 5. More specifically, replicated findings from two daily diary studies showed that, on days employees used proactive vitality management they performed better on a daily creative brainstorm task and they were evaluated as performing more creatively at work by their supervisors. These relationships were mediated by daily states of mindfulness, i.e., cognitive states characterized by attention to and awareness of present events and experiences (Brown et al., 2007). Even though studies often focus on vitality’s either physical, affective, or cognitive components and effects, these components are intertwined (Lavrusheva, 2020). Similarly, even though I distinguished between the physical, affective, and cognitive processes spurred by proactive vitality management in some of the studies in this dissertation, I have argued that these processes are intertwined, and may thus partly overlap and occur simultaneously. For example, physical energy may play a role in the process of activated positive affect and may also enable a fresh pair of eyes and headspace. At the same time, some aspects of the different processes may be rather unique. For example, undertaking action to feel more physically energetic is not necessarily accompanied by an increase in happiness, and making sure one is able to focus well need not require one to experience positive affect. The relative importance of a primarily physical, affective, or cognitive mechanism in the link between proactive vitality management and favorable work outcomes process may depend on characteristics of the person, the situation, and the outcome. Top-Down versus Bottom-Up The studies included in this dissertation together show that individuals who proactively manage their vitality for work – e.g., by purposefully listening to relaxing music during work or shutting of their phone and e-mail to be able to focus – feel better in terms of physical and mental energy, and perform better and more creatively. These findings
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