Title: The impact of professional isolation on emotional exhaustion with psychological capital as the moderator among Finnish knowledge workers

Authors: Satu Uusiautti; Maria Järlström; Anni Rajala; Sanna Hyvärinen

Addresses: University of Lapland, Yliopistonkatu 8, 96300 Rovaniemi, Finland ' University of Vaasa, Wolffintie 32, 65200 Vaasa, Finland ' University of Vaasa, Wolffintie 32, 65200 Vaasa, Finland ' University of Lapland, Yliopistonkatu 8, 96300 Rovaniemi, Finland

Abstract: This research focused on the psychological concept of professional isolation, analysing its connection with psychological capital (PsyCap). The moderating role of PsyCap between professional isolation and emotional exhaustion has been less studied. The research questions were: 1) does professional isolation always lead to emotional exhaustion, and if not, what are the conditions that constrain or enhance the effects of professional isolation?; 2) how does PsyCap moderate the relationship between professional isolation and emotional exhaustion? Knowledge workers (N = 210) in Finland were asked to participate in a survey measuring their experiences of professional isolation and emotional exhaustion. Correlations and hierarchical regression analysis were conducted. It was found that the relationship between professional isolation and emotional exhaustion was weaker when PsyCap was high compared with the situation when PsyCap was low. The connection with professional isolation appeared complex. The findings encourage investing in further examination of the concept and the PsyCap interventions.

Keywords: professional isolation; emotional exhaustion; psychological capital; knowledge workers; hierarchical regression analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWOE.2025.144493

International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 2025 Vol.16 No.1, pp.95 - 109

Received: 24 Sep 2023
Accepted: 21 Mar 2024
Published online: 17 Feb 2025 *

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