Same technostress situation but different responses: A trait activation theoretical perspective on IT mindfulness in remote work

Abstract

We propose an interactionist model that investigates when users demonstrate IT mindfulness to alleviate techno-stressors and enhance their engagement in remote work. Drawing on the Transactional Theory of Stress and Trait Activation Theory, a fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (N = 306 professionals) reveals equifinal configurations. In three configurations, users who encounter techno-stressors do not demonstrate IT mindfulness and show reduced remote work engagement. In three other configurations, when faced with techno-stressors, users actively demonstrate IT mindfulness and show increased remote work engagement. These findings contribute to research by demonstrating that users exhibit IT mindfulness when faced with techno-stressors that enable its activation.