Simone Donati

Thesis proposal for the a.y. 2024-25


This thesis project is addressed to female students in the undergraduate and master's degree programmes of the Department of Psychology and the Department of Quality of Life Sciences (Quvi) and investigates the role of physical activity as a key tool in recovery processes from work-related stress, with the aim of improving the psychophysical well-being and engagement of employees. Through a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data (questionnaires on physical activity and recovery experiences) and qualitative data (individual interviews) will be collected. Psychological experiences such as mental detachment, relaxation and feelings of mastery over work-life time will be analysed. The impact of different forms of physical activity on the recovery of mental, emotional, and physical energy after the working day will be explored by comparing different types of workers and organisations. The expected results aim to demonstrate that different forms of physical activity (e.g., aerobic, anaerobic, endurance, strength training, etc.) can benefit the recovery and health of different types of workers in different ways (e.g., blue collar Vs. white collar). Finally, the thesis will offer insights into potential strategies to help companies promote the well-being of their employees, both during working hours and in post- and non-working hours.


References (essential):

• Conn, V. S., Hafdahl, A. R., Cooper, P. S., Brown, L. M., & Lusk, S. L. (2009). Meta-analysis of workplace physical activity interventions. American journal of preventive medicine, 37(4), 330-339.Karabinski, T., Haun, V. C., Nübold, A., Wendsche, J., & Wegge, J. (2021). Interventions for improving psychological detachment from work: A meta-analysis. Journal of occupational health psychology, 26(3), 224.
• Sonnentag, S. (2018). The recovery paradox: Portraying the complex interplay between job stressors, lack of recovery, and poor well-being. Research in Organizational Behavior, 38, 169-185.
• Sonnentag, S., Cheng, B. H., & Parker, S. L. (2022). Recovery from work: Advancing the field toward the future. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 9(1), 33-60.
• Santos, I. L., & Miragaia, D. (2023). Physical activity in the workplace: a cost or a benefit for organizations? A systematic review. International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 16(1), 108-135.
• Schwarz, M., Feldmann, F., & Schmitz, B. (2022). Art-of-living at work: interventions to reduce stress and increase well-being. International journal of workplace health management, 16(1), 89-107.