A Latent Profile Analysis of Living a Calling, Burnout, Exploitation, and Work–Life Imbalance

Abstract

Research has predominantly focused on the positive aspects of living a calling (LC), hence more attention needs to be given to its potentially negative aspects. The current study examined profiles of 237 South Korean working adults, defined by individuals’ scores on LC, burnout, exploitation, and work–life imbalance from a person-centered perspective. Then, we examined the role of psychological capital, organizational support, and adequate compensation in predicting profile membership. Lastly, we examined mean differences across class membership in the levels of job satisfaction and work-related psychological and physical symptoms. Latent profile analysis identified three distinct profiles of individuals: the adaptive, average, and maladaptive. Psychological capital, organizational support, and adequate compensation predicted a higher likelihood of membership into the adaptive group, compared to the average group. The adaptive group showed the highest job satisfaction and the lowest work-related psychological symptoms. Implications for calling-related interventions and directions for future research are discussed.