Evaluating the influence of the type of social support on job satisfaction and work related psychological well-being

Abstract

The presence of adequate levels of social support has been demonstrated to reduce the adverse consequences of occupational stress outcomes. The difficulties in demonstrating the indirect effects of workplace support, however, have been acknowledged. One explanation for these difficulties is the inadequate definitions of the exact type of social support being measured. This investigation evaluated the influence of both practical and emotional types of workplace social support upon job satisfaction and work-related psychological well-being. Only practical supervisor support directly predicted job satisfaction. Colleague social support was not significantly predictive of either outcome. The importance of supervisor support for the maintenance of positive work attitudes is discussed.