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Workplace Stressors and the Intention to Quit: The Role of Psychological Distress and Psychological Flexibility Among Hospitality Employees

Author

Listed:
  • Asier Baquero

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, International University of La Rioja, 26006 Logrono, Spain)

  • Hazem Ahmed Khairy

    (Hotel Management Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Egypt)

  • Bassam Samir Al-Romeedy

    (Tourism Studies Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Egypt)

Abstract

This study investigates how workplace stressors influence the intention to quit among male employees working in five-star hotels in Egypt, with a focus on the mediating role of psychological distress and the moderating role of psychological flexibility. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 334 full-time male hospitality workers. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the study examined the relationships between workplace stressors, psychological distress, the intention to quit, and psychological flexibility. The results showed that higher levels of workplace stressors were significantly associated with increased psychological distress and a stronger intention to quit. Psychological distress partially explained (mediated) the link between stressors and quitting intentions. Moreover, psychological flexibility acted as a buffer (moderator), reducing the negative impact of workplace stress on distress and, in turn, on quitting intentions. These findings highlight the unique contribution of the study in applying the transactional model of stress and coping within a Middle Eastern hospitality context, focusing exclusively on male workers—an understudied group in the existing literature. To address these challenges, hospitality managers are encouraged to adopt evidence-based interventions such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to strengthen employees’ psychological flexibility and reduce the turnover risk. The study offers valuable insights for researchers, organizational leaders, and HR practitioners aiming to improve employee well-being and retention in high-pressure service environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Asier Baquero & Hazem Ahmed Khairy & Bassam Samir Al-Romeedy, 2025. "Workplace Stressors and the Intention to Quit: The Role of Psychological Distress and Psychological Flexibility Among Hospitality Employees," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jtourh:v:6:y:2025:i:2:p:72-:d:1642708
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ha Nam Khanh Giao & Bui Nhat Vuong & Dao Duy Huan & Hasanuzzaman Tushar & Tran Nhu Quan, 2020. "The Effect of Emotional Intelligence on Turnover Intention and the Moderating Role of Perceived Organizational Support: Evidence from the Banking Industry of Vietnam," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-25, March.
    2. Arkadiusz M. Jasiński & Romuald Derbis, 2022. "Work Stressors and Intention to Leave the Current Workplace and Profession: The Mediating Role of Negative Affect at Work," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-16, October.
    3. Mohamed Fathy Agina & Hazem Ahmed Khairy & Mohamed A. Abdel Fatah & Youssef H. Manaa & Rabab M. Abdallah & Nadir Aliane & Jehad Afaneh & Bassam Samir Al-Romeedy, 2023. "Distributive Injustice and Work Disengagement in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry: Mediating Roles of the Workplace Negative Gossip and Organizational Cynicism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-24, October.
    4. Nadir Aliane & Bassam Samir Al-Romeedy & Mohamed Fathy Agina & Perihan A. Mohsen Salah & Rabab Mahmoud Abdallah & Mohamed Abdel Hamed Abdel Fatah & Nourredine Khababa & Hazem Ahmed Khairy, 2023. "How Job Insecurity Affects Innovative Work Behavior in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry? The Roles of Knowledge Hiding Behavior and Team Anti-Citizenship Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-22, September.
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