Chapter 7: The Role of Political Skill in Neutralizing the Dysfunctional Impact of Negative Affectivity on Psychological and Physiological Strains¹

We examined the neutralizing effects of political skill on the negative affectivity (NA)—job strain relationships. Strain was operationalized as job tension, job dissatisfaction, and muscle tension (e.g., measured by electromyography— EMG). Results supported the moderating or “neutralizing” effects of political skill such that greater political skill reduced the negative effects of NA on job tension and job dissatisfaction. Interestingly, political skill increased the EMG of those high in NA. We discuss implications of our findings and offer suggestions for future research.