Psychological capital as a mediator between burnout and psychological outcomes in the Spanish Civil Guard: a conservation of resources perspective

Abstract Police work entails chronic stressors, yet little research has assessed protective factors in national paramilitary forces. Guided by conservation of resources theory, we tested whether psychological capital (PsyCap—hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism) mediates links between burnout and psychological outcomes. A sample of 603 Spanish Civil Guard officers completed validated measures of burnout (emotional exhaustion, cynicism), PsyCap, psychological well-being, and job satisfaction. Mediation analyses showed partial mediation in all models. PsyCap accounted for 29 per cent–37.1 per cent of the total effect of burnout on well-being and 12.2 per cent–13.6 per cent on job satisfaction, indicating a stronger buffering role for well-being. Findings position PsyCap as a salient personal resource for officers exposed to high demands in hierarchical settings. Leadership and HR practices that deliberately cultivate PsyCap—through training and integration in officer development—may reduce burnout’s impact, strengthen well-being, and support sustainable functioning.