The Role of Potential Traumatic Events and Work Overload on Wellbeing Outcomes: An Analysis of Four Competing Models

High-risk occupations increase one’s chance of being exposed to a potentially traumatic event (PTE). Yet, similar to many occupations, those in high-risk occupations are also exposed to other less impactful common daily stressors like work overload. Previous research suggests that, although these two types of stressors are often examined independently, investigation of how they work together is warranted. This study compared four models to determine whether work overload has a main, moderation, mediation, and/or mediation×moderation effect (i.e., MacArthur approach) with PTEs on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction. The four models were justified using previous literature and theoretical frameworks (occupational mental health model; conservation of resources framework, cognitive appraisal of daily hassles). We used two waves of data from Norwegian veterans (n = 3233) to compare the four alternative models. Results showed that work overload mediates the relationships between PTEs and PTSD, depression, and anxiety, but not life satisfaction. Findings suggest that experiencing a PTE is associated with individuals appraising daily hassles of work as more stressful, which would further contribute to negative psychological outcomes. Overall, the study provides guidance to both researchers and practitioners in understanding the unique, yet related association that both PTEs and work overload, have with psychological wellbeing.