Let’s Get Personal: The Mediating Role of Self-Disclosure in the Relationship Between Psychological Safety and Work Stress

Abstract

Work stress is a significant modern health issue associated with severe negative outcomes. This study examines the influence of self-disclosure on the relationship between psychological safety and work stress, aiming to understand the interactions between these factors. A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a survey to gather data from employed individuals, resulting in 279 valid responses. The findings indicate that higher levels of psychological safety significantly reduce work stress, although self-disclosure did not mediate this relationship as hypothesized. These results highlight the importance of fostering a psychologically safe work environment to enhance employee well being and suggest that other mediators may influence this relationship. The study contributes to the existing literature by exploring the dynamics between psychological safety and self-disclosure, offering practical implications for organizations seeking to create supportive and resilient work environments to mitigate work stress.