Evaluating Training-Related Changes in Profiles of Recovery Experiences

Recovery from work is associated with better work performance and employee well-being. Thus, it is important to investigate whether and how recovery training affects the multiple distinct recovery experiences (i.e., psychological detachment, relaxation, control, and mastery). However, typical variable-centered approaches cannot detect training effects on the co-occurrence of multiple recovery experiences. By contrast, person-centered approaches, which focus on how individuals encounter different combinations (i.e., profiles) of recovery experiences, show promise for evaluating recovery training. We used data from a randomized controlled trial (N = 393) to examine the impact of training designed to enhance recovery in everyday life by investigating (a) how the number and shapes of profiles changed, (b) whether individuals transitioned between profiles of recovery experiences, and (c) whether these transitions were associated with changes in well-being-related outcomes (i.e., sleep quality and perceived stress). Recovery profiles changed in structure from pre- to post-training, and most participants, particularly those who received training, transitioned to a profile with improved recovery experiences. These adaptive transition paths were partly associated with enhanced sleep quality and reduced stress. Overall, the person-centered approach revealed nuanced training effects on recovery experiences, underscoring its promising role in comprehensive training evaluation.