Motivation, overcommitment and psychological health at work: a path analytic approach.

Overcommitment is formulated in the Effort-Reward Imbalance occupational stress model as a critical coping pattern in individuals, and refers to a strong tendency to commit oneself to work activities. Motivation in working life is related to employees' productivity and good mental health. A total of 556 employees completed a questionnaire package relating to overcommitment and motivation in working life, as well as the 28-item version of the General Health Questionnaire. Path analysis revealed that motivation and overcommitment are positively related to each other but that the health consequences are different. It is justifiable to draw a distinction between overcommitment and high motivation at work, as modifying a coping pattern of overly committing to work on the one hand and enhancing motivation on the other may lead to improved mental health for employees.