Towards the Conceptualization of Daily Dynamics in State Workaholism: Evidence from Two Experience Sampling Method Studies

Introduction: Workaholism is a prevalent condition characterized by compulsive overwork at the expense of worker health and well-being. Being considered a behavioural addiction, workaholism has been so far mainly conceptualized and measured as a stable trait that only varies between individuals. Against this background is the view of the phenomenon through the lens of the Whole Trait Theory, opening to the conceptualization of dynamic within-individual changes over time in both compulsive work-related thoughts and overwork behaviours. In line with this view and based on two independent samples, we aim to empirically test the conceptualization of state workaholism by investigating its construct validity and nomological network.