Date of Award

Winter 3-19-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (PhD)

Department

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

First Advisor/Committee Member

Joey A. Collins

Second Advisor/Committee Member

Julianne Tilmann

Third Advisor/Committee Member

Stephanie Lopez

Keywords

AI, technology, anxiety, psychological capital, PsyCap, adoption

Abstract

This study examines how psychological resources moderate the relationship between technology anxiety and technology adoption, using artificial intelligence (AI) as a contemporary exemplar of emerging workplace technologies. Despite significant investments in technological infrastructure, organizations continue to struggle with limited employee adoption—a challenge that extends beyond technical barriers to psychological dimensions. Drawing on Psychological Capital (PsyCap) theory, this research investigates how self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience collectively moderate the established negative relationship between technology anxiety and adoption. Through a quantitative approach analyzing survey data from 1,200 employees at a large technology consulting firm, this study provides insights into psychological mechanisms that can enhance technology integration across various domains. While focused specifically on AI technologies as an exemplar, the findings offer broader implications for understanding and facilitating adoption of current and future technological innovations in workplace settings.

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