Making deep acting sustainable: a diary study of the reciprocal relationship between deep acting and personal accomplishment

Purpose To resolve the “double-edged sword” of deep acting, this study examines the daily “gain spiral” between deep acting and personal accomplishment and whether perspective-taking ability moderates this process. Design/methodology/approach A 10-day diary study was conducted with 60 early childhood educators (596 observations). A multilevel model was used to test the reciprocal and cross-level moderating effects of perspective taking. Findings Daily deep acting predicted subsequent personal accomplishment, which in turn predicted future deep acting on the following day. This positive cycle was stronger among employees with higher levels of perspective taking. Originality/value This study moves beyond unidirectional views of emotional labor by empirically testing a reciprocal, self-sustaining model. By identifying perspective taking as a key moderator, this study offers a novel ability-based explanation within the emotional labor literature, providing a dynamic framework for how deep acting can become a sustainable psychological resource.