TO COMPETE OR NOT TO COMPETE: AN EXAMINATION OF COMPETITION AND BURNOUT

The current study proposed a Conservation of Resources Theory-focused moderated mediation model to examine the effect an individual self-concept and perceptions of competitive climate have on feelings of justice and emotional exhaustion. Specifically, the study examined the direct relationship between a competitive climate and emotional exhaustion, while also examining the indirect relationship through distributive justice. The study also examined the moderating role individual self-concept has on the direct path of competitive climate and emotional exhaustion, and the indirect path of competitive climate and distributive justice. Results of the study showed support for the direct relationship between competitive climate and emotional exhaustion, the indirect relationship through distributive justice, and the interaction between competitive climate and individual self-concept on distributive justice. This study further enhances our understanding of the potential negative consequences associated with a competitive climate.