Recovery interrupted: the moderating role of locus of control in a gendered stress landscape

Purpose This study aims to examine how gendered control beliefs influence recovery from job stress, focusing on the moderating role of locus of control (LOC) across three dimensions: internal, powerful others and chance. By integrating stress-recovery theory with gender in management research, the study explores how personal control beliefs shape recovery opportunities and outcomes for men and women in organizational settings. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 291 full-time employees in the USA via the Prolific research platform. Participants completed validated measures of LOC, job stress and recovery experiences. Moderated regression analyses tested the interactive effects of gender and LOC dimensions on recovery outcomes. Findings Internal LOC buffered stress and promoted recovery, particularly among women, whereas powerful others LOC heightened strain and inhibited recovery. Chance LOC predicted greater psychological detachment, suggesting that attributing outcomes to external factors may facilitate disengagement. These findings highlight distinct pathways through which control beliefs and gender interact to shape recovery. Practical implications Results provide actionable guidance for managers and human resources practitioners. Embedding LOC assessments into well-being initiatives, tailoring recovery interventions to control profiles and implementing gender-responsive leadership and boundary-setting policies can foster equitable recovery opportunities in the workplace. Originality/value This study advances gender in management scholarship by introducing a multidimensional view of LOC into stress-recovery frameworks and demonstrating how gendered control beliefs inform recovery processes. The findings contribute to theory and practice by clarifying who benefits most from specific recovery resources and how organizations can design inclusive strategies for workforce well-being.