Social support as a moderator of the relationship between work stressors and psychological dysfunctioning: A longitudinal study with objective measures.

Abstract

The match hypothesis proposed by S. Cohen and T. A. Wills (1985) is extended, and the buffer effect of social support is tested within a longitudinal study with objective measures (N = 90 male blue-collar workers in the German metal industry). Stressors at work were ascertained by observers and a variant of a peer rating. Psychological, physical, and social stressors at work and leisure time stressors were ascertained. The dependent variables of dysfunctioning were psychosomatic complaints, depression, irritation/strain, and (social) anxiety. There were moderator effects of social support on the relationship between stressors and psychological dysfunctioning. Results are in line with the match hypothesis as social stressors and socially oriented aspects of psychological dysfunctioning were affected most strongly.

Cites (46)

1. Multiple regression: testing and interpreting interactions
   1992 · Choice Reviews Online
2. Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis
   Cohen, Sheldon, Wills, Thomas A. · 1985 · Psychological Bulletin
3. A self-rating depression scale
   ZUNG, WILLIAM W. K. · 1965 · Archives of General Psychiatry
4. What is coefficient alpha? An examination of theory and applications
   Cortina, Jose M. · 1993 · Journal of Applied Psychology
5. Multiple regression in behavioral research
   Fred N. Kerlinger, Elazar J. Pedhazur · 1973 · Medical Entomology and Zoology
6. Work Stress and Social Support.
   Deutsch, Steven, House, James S. · 1983 · Contemporary Sociology
7. Social Support and Health.
   Ross, Catherine E., Cohen, Sheldon, Syme, S. Leonard · 1986 · Contemporary Sociology
8. The relationship between social support and physiological processes: A review with emphasis on underlying mechanisms and implications for health.
   Uchino, Bert N., Cacioppo, John T., Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K. · 1996 · Psychological Bulletin
9. Life-Span Development and Behavior
   Paul B. Baltes, David L. Featherman, Richard M. Lerner, Orville G. Brim, Marion C. Perlmutter · 1984 · Medical Entomology and Zoology
10. Conceptual, Methodological, and Theoretical Problems in Studying Social Support as a Buffer Against Life Stress
    Thoits, Peggy A. · 1982 · Journal of Health and Social Behavior

Show all 46 references

Cited by (20)

1. Job Resources Buffer the Impact of Job Demands on Burnout.
   Bakker, Arnold B., Demerouti, Evangelia, Euwema, Martin C. · 2005 · Journal of Occupational Health Psychology
2. Job resources boost work engagement, particularly when job demands are high.
   Bakker, Arnold B., Hakanen, Jari J., Demerouti, Evangelia, Xanthopoulou, Despoina · 2007 · Journal of Educational Psychology
3. Personal and workgroup incivility: Impact on work and health outcomes.
   Lim, Sandy, Cortina, Lilia M., Magley, Vicki J. · 2008 · Journal of Applied Psychology
4. Reducing work related psychological ill health and sickness absence: a systematic literature review
   Michie, S, Williams, S · 2003 · Occupational and Environmental Medicine
5. Work-related stress and depressive disorders
   Tennant, Christopher · 2001 · Journal of Psychosomatic Research

See all 327