“Yes, I Can”: the protective role of personal self-efficacy in hindering counterproductive work behavior under stressful conditions

Background and Objectives: Within the stressor-emotion model, counterproductive work behavior (CWB) is considered a possible result of stress. It is well-known that self-efficacy mitigates the detrimental effects of stress and the stressor–strain relation. We aim to extend the stressor-emotion model of CWB by examining the additive and moderating role of work and regulatory emotional self-efficacy dimensions. Design and Methods: A structural equation model and a set of hierarchical regressions were conducted on a convenience sample of 1147 Italian workers. Results: Individuals who believed in their capabilities to manage work activities had a lower propensity to act counterproductively. Workers who believed in their capabilities to cope with negative feelings had a lower propensity to react with negative emotions under stressful conditions. Finally, results showed that self-efficacy moderates at least some of the relationships between stressors and negative emotions, and also between stressors and CWB, but did not moderate the relationship between negative emotions and these types of conduct. Conclusions: Self-efficacy beliefs proved to be a protective factor that can reduce the impact of stressful working conditions.