A chain mediation model linking perceived dirty work to counterproductive work behavior

Perceived dirty work is a psychosocial phenomenon that occurs when a practitioner feels that his or her work is distasteful, characterized by unethical work and low social status. Based on the cognitive-affective system theory of personality and the learned helplessness theory, this study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived dirty work and employees’ counterproductive work behavior and to test the chained-mediating effects of learned helplessness and workplace fear of missing out on this relationship between the two, as well as the moderating effect of defensive pessimism. This study collected 993 valid questionnaires and used structural equation modeling. The results indicated that perceived dirty work was significantly and positively associated with employees’ counterproductive work behavior. Furthermore, learned helplessness and workplace fear of missing out served as chain mediators between perceived dirty work and counterproductive work behavior. Defensive pessimism also moderated these relationships and partially weakened the association between perceived dirty work, negative cognition, anxiety, and counterproductive work behavior. This perspective not only broadens the theoretical framework of perceived dirty work but also addresses limitations in prior research that tended to overemphasize personality traits and workplace bullying. Moreover, it provides valuable practical implications for organizations seeking to improve work environments and strengthen emotional support for employees.