The role of social support in the process of work stress: A meta-analysis

After summarizing the literature on the various models for the role of soci al support in the process of work stress, two studies are reported. In the first study, correlations between (1) social support and workplace stressor s and (2) between social support and strains as well as (3) incremental R(2 )s across 68 studies, when the interaction term of stressors and support wa s added to the regression of strain on stressors and support, were meta-ana lytically cumulated. Potential moderators of these relationships were weak, suggesting the presence of three general constructs of stressors, strains, and social support. In the second study, the various models for the role o f social support in the process of workplace stress were tested for the gen eral constructs identified in the first study. Results indicated that socia l support had a threefold effect on work stressor-strain relations. Social support reduced the strains experienced, social support mitigated perceived stressors, and social support moderated the stressor-strain relationship. Evidence for mediational and suppressor effects of social support on the pr ocess of work stress was weak. In addition, the argument that social suppor t is mobilized when stressors are encountered was not consistent with the a vailable empirical evidence. A similar lack of support was found for the ar guments that support is mobilized when strains are encountered and that sup port is provided when individuals are afflicted with strains. (C) 1999 Acad emic Press.