affectivity) on emotional exhaustion is not significant. The results illustrate that this
interactive term significantly and negatively affects depression (b ¼ 20:18; p , 0:05).
Furthermore, there is a significant increment in R 2 of the model
(DR2 ¼ 0:03; p , 0:05). Therefore, H4b is supported. The effects of the control
variables on emotional exhaustion remain generally similar to those reported in
Table II. The results in Table III show that education shows a significant negative
effect on depression in steps 1 and 3, although it disappears in step 2.
In short, positive affectivity and intrinsic motivation mitigate emotional exhaustion.
Elevated levels of emotional exhaustion lead to higher depression. Employees with
positive affectivity and intrinsic motivation are faced with less emotional exhaustion
and thus less depression. In addition, the interaction of intrinsic motivation and
positive affectivity reduces depression.