I Will ‘Go for it’ even if it Scares me! How Psychological Courage Relates to Well-being at Work through Reinforcement Sensitivity Systems

Psychological courage (PC) is believed to help individuals in dealing with fear and anxiety, allowing them to confront obstacles and discover purpose in their careers. This study investigated the relationship between PC, job satisfaction, meaning in work, perceived stress, and behavioral systems (BAS, BIS, FFFS) using structural equation modeling (SEM). A sample of 805 employees from various industries participated in the study. Results revealed a positive correlation between PC and both job satisfaction and meaning in work, while a negative correlation was found with perceived stress. SEM analysis further indicated that the behavioral activation system (BAS) mediates the relationship between PC and positive well-being outcomes. Conversely, the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) was associated with increased stress and decreased job satisfaction and meaning in work. These findings highlight the importance of PC in promoting positive work experiences. By activating the BAS and inhibiting the BIS, PC can contribute to greater job satisfaction, increased meaning in work, and reduced stress. Organizations can benefit from implementing interventions that foster psychological courage among employees, leading to improved overall well-being and job performance.