When contracts crack and family becomes a resource: A daily diary study of psychological contract breach, work–family conflict and mindfulness

Abstract

Purpose This study draws on the job demands-resources (JD-R) model to examine the mediating role of work−family conflict (WFC) in the relationship between psychological contract breach and burnout, and the moderating role of mindfulness. Design/methodology/approach A daily diary study was conducted over five consecutive workdays with 83 employees, yielding a total of 415 measurement occasions. Findings Multilevel analyses revealed that psychological contract breach was positively associated with increased WFC, which, in turn, predicted higher levels of burnout at the intra-individual level. Moreover, the strength of this indirect effect was moderated by mindfulness: the link between psychological contract breach and burnout via WFC was stronger among employees with lower levels of mindfulness. Originality/value These findings provide valuable insights for organizations by highlighting both preventive strategies − such as addressing psychological contract breaches − and interventional approaches − such as mindfulness-based practices to mitigate emotional exhaustion. The results also pave the way for future research into the mechanisms underlying the psychological contract–burnout link and the buffering role of mindfulness.