| Abstract: | The present study used the first wave of a quasi‐experimental panel study of Russian military officers (N= 1,798) to assess what happens during the waiting period after notification of release. Procedural, interactional, and distributive justice variables were incorporated into a model of the stress process. Effects on organizational commitment, outcome evaluation, anxiety, depression, and hostility were assessed. Interactional justice (Bies, 1987)—respect shown to the departing officer—was both an effect of downsizing (leavers reported receiving greater respect than stayers perceived them to get) and a moderator of downsizing's impact (respect buffered the stress process more among leavers). The negative effects of leaving were also buffered by duration of service, but were exacerbated by combat experience. |
