In this research, translation, and application lab, we focus on understanding and developing healthy and optimal work environments and experiences for people in a wide variety of occupations. A strong emphasis is placed on identifying and understanding individual differences and associated factors that affect personal work-related experiences and more general health and well-being. A related area of interest is in the interaction between person and work-environment features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lab is currently tackling a number of projects associated with work-related stress and recovery management. Here is a quick list of projects underway in the H.O.W. Lab for 2025 and 2026:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to these projects, there will be multiple thesis projects underway over the next couple of years. Since 2007, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with a large number of talented students on many projects in this lab, including the ones listed below. Reviewing these will provide a sense of the variety of work that is done through the H.O.W. lab. The hyperlinks below will take you directly to the final thesis manuscripts associated with any of these projects that were linked to thesis efforts (all hosted through the UTC Scholar system). Note that just about all of these projects have also been presented in a refereed\/peer-reviewed conference setting and\/or published in a journal article or book chapter form (full details available in my CV<\/a>):<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wiley, J. L. (data collection). Supervisor-focused impression management and social undermining as self-enhancing responses to perceived job insecurity<\/em>. Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wasner, P.-A. (data collection). Understanding the effect of perceived supervisor unavailability on job satisfaction, counterproductive work behaviors, and intent to quit<\/em>. Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gibbs, W. (data collection). Fairness, transparency, and feedback: motivational drivers of job performance in incentive-based roles<\/em>. Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hoffman, S. R. (2025). Understanding the positive and negative aspects of different calling intensities<\/a><\/em>. Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. [Graduate SEARCH Award winner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mariani, M. (2025). Understanding voluntary turnover from an Intentional Change Theory perspective<\/a><\/em>. Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. [Graduate SEARCH Award winner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vlass, S. (2023). Work-nonwork demands analysis and prioritization self-assessment<\/em><\/a>. Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. [Graduate SEARCH Award winner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vosika, E. (2023). Identifying personal energy and recovery patterns and their impact on well-being<\/em><\/a>. Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. [Graduate SEARCH Award winner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n deSa, D. (2022). The adaptation and innovation model of organizational resilience: The AIR model<\/em><\/a>. Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nixon, E. (2020). Quality assessment of preferred work recovery activities: Guidance for recovering from work-related demands.<\/em><\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. [supported by UTC research grant] <\/p>\n\n\n\n Johnson, L. F. (2019). Do workplace aesthetics matter? Testing the moderating effects of need for aesthetics and general mindfulness.<\/em><\/a> <\/em>Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. [Graduate SEARCH Award winner] <\/p>\n\n\n\n Terry, D. (2018). A noble task: Work Stress, Sense of Coherence, and work-nonwork conflict among Christian clergy<\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. [Graduate Provost Student Research Award winner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dirghalli, J. (2018). Quantifying and qualifying the links that bind: A conceptual map of the workplace experience<\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. [Graduate Provost Student Research Award winner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rodriguez, S. (2017). Examining the predictive ability of the selection method used during hire on subsequent employee engagement<\/a><\/em>.<\/em><\/a> <\/em>Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brady, L. (2017). The role of Sense of Coherence in stressor appraisal.<\/a><\/em> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. [Graduate Provost Student Research Award winner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keating, A. (2016). Active or passive? An examination of the relationship between the valence of work experiences and choice of recovery strategy<\/a><\/em>.<\/em><\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Littrell, S. (2016). Waiting for the right place and right time: Belief content correlates of situational procrastination<\/a><\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Harste, R. (2016). Socializing to recover from work stress: The benefits of acting extraverted<\/a><\/em>.<\/em><\/a> <\/em>Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hudson, C. (2016). Anticipated work-nonwork balance and conflict as predictors of job choice: Identity salience as moderator<\/a><\/em>.<\/em><\/a> <\/em>Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kearns, K. (2016). Authoritative parenting and transformational leadership: An example of family-to-work enrichment<\/a><\/em>.<\/em><\/a> <\/em>Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vijayakumar, P. (2015). Work-life balance, breaks, and identity salience in Indian expatriates<\/a><\/em>.<\/em><\/a> <\/em>Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. [Graduate Provost Student Research Award winner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cooper, A. (2014). Exploring the use of non-cognitive factors in predicting college academic outcomes<\/a><\/em>.<\/em><\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. [Graduate Provost Student Research Award winner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Benitez, L. (2013). Personal factors that influence meaning and prioritization in work-nonwork roles<\/a><\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Huskey, W. (2013). A resource management perspective on work design<\/a><\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manier, A. (2013). Understanding organizational wellness: The impact of perceived organizational support, motivation, and barriers on the effectiveness of wellness programs<\/a><\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. [Graduate Provost Student Research Award winner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clancy, S. (2012). Evaluating the sustained psychological benefits of on-site employee health programs<\/a><\/em>.<\/em><\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cranley, N. (2012). Understanding time use, stress, and recovery among medical residents<\/a><\/em>. <\/em>Unpublished master\u2019s thesis.<\/a> The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. <\/em>[Graduate Provost Student Research Award winner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Smith, H. (2012). Testing \u201careas of worklife\u201d as mediating factors in the relationship between nurse leadership, burnout, and engagement<\/a><\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White, C. N. (2011). The influence of identity salience on cross-generational perspectives of work-life balance<\/a><\/em>.<\/em><\/a> <\/em>Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Martin, S. (2011). Personal and work culture factors predicting ATOD use among young workers<\/a><\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Terlecki, S. (2011). Exploring individual and organizational level antecedents of experienced workplace incivility<\/a><\/em>.<\/em><\/a> <\/em>Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Morelli, N. (2010). Furthering Conservation of Resources theory: How personal values influence our perception of resources<\/a><\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cheng, J.-M. (2009). Modeling the relationships among stressors, Big Five personality traits, and strains within a sample of Chinese respondents<\/a><\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hegwood, E. (2009). Examining the psycho-social barriers to company-sponsored fitness center usage<\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hopkins, J. (2009). <\/em>Improving self-efficacy and proactive behavior tendencies with off-site, adventure-based team-building<\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Owens, J. (2009). Further examination of the relationship between proactive personality and career success<\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Patel, S. (2009). Work-family balance and religion: A resource-based perspective<\/a><\/em>.<\/a> Unpublished master\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Undergraduate honors theses:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Levine, M. (2013). Understanding perceived career success among ESL teachers<\/em>. Unpublished undergraduate honor\u2019s thesis, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGraduate Student Theses through the HOW Lab<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n