Date

9-17-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Cari M. Oliver

Keywords

job enlargement, wellbeing, United States Air Force, self-determination theory, job-related wellbeing, job specialization

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between job enlargement programs and overall wellbeing among active-duty United States Air Force personnel using a mixed method, convergent parallel approach. Utilizing a sample of 125 active-duty personnel, these two variables were examined for a predictive relationship while controlling for eight covariates utilizing multiple regression analysis (quantitative) and assessed for contextual purposes using thematic analysis (qualitative), employing survey data from all participants. The study was framed by self-determination theory (SDT), which posits that the wellbeing of individuals is affected by three core needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Quantitatively, no significant relationship was found between the introduction of job enlargement programs and wellbeing in this population. Although this meant the qualitative data could not provide context to a relationship, exploratory thematic analysis indicated that this may be due to a pervasive sense of apathy regarding this phenomenon throughout the population. This study is made significant by its novelty and potential for broader applicability. There is limited literature available on the impact job enlargement has on active-duty military personnel, making these findings a potentially significant contribution. Additionally, the data and findings within may be applicable to other career fields, particularly those that traditionally operate at higher levels of stress.

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