All the right resources, still running on empty: A moderated moderation model of workaholism and ego depletion among academic researchers

Academic researchers frequently work under conditions characterized by persistent publication pressure, blurred work-life boundaries, and continuous cognitive engagement. In such environments, workaholism may gradually erode self-regulatory capacity and contribute to ego depletion. Although personal and situational resources are generally assumed to reduce these adverse effects, their combined influence remains insufficiently understood in academic settings. Drawing primarily on Conservation of Resources theory, this study examines whether emotional intelligence and recovery experiences jointly condition the relationship between workaholism and ego depletion. Using cross-sectional survey data from university-based researchers, the findings show that workaholism is positively associated with ego depletion. Emotional intelligence and recovery experiences independently weaken this association, indicating that both personal emotion-regulation capacity and opportunities for psychological recovery can reduce cognitive strain. However, when both resources are simultaneously high, their additional buffering effect becomes smaller, suggesting diminishing marginal returns rather than unlimited protection. The findings indicate that even resourceful academics remain vulnerable to the psychological costs of persistent overwork when excessive striving becomes normalized. The study contributes to the literature on workaholism, self-regulation, and sustainable academic work by showing that resilience depends not merely on possessing resources, but on how effectively those resources are aligned and activated within demanding institutional environments. The findings also carry implications for sustainable human resource management and broader goals related to decent work, well-being, and sustainable academic systems.