Perceptions of emotional support, stress, and strain by male and female social workers

Abstract

This study examines the relationship of emotional support to work-related stress and strain among male and female social workers. In particular, the buffering hypothesis, the extent to which emotional support provided by supervisors and co-workers moderates the effects of stress, was tested. The results indicate there are negative associations between support and stress and between support and strain for both male and female workers; however, no evidence was found to support the buffering hypothesis.