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This article reports two studies which examine the role of social support in the context of the demand-discretion theory of job stress, with particular reference to additive versus interactive models. In Study I, data from a heterogeneous sample of health-care workers (N = 145) were analyzed using regression methods; after control for demographic factors, occupational group, and negative affectivity, job satisfaction was predicted by the main effect of support (p <.001), and by the demand × discretion interaction (p =.04). In contrast, somatic symptoms were predicted by a three-way demand × discretion × support interaction (p <.02), support mitigating the adverse effects of high strain as compared with low strain conditions. In Study II, longitudinal data from a homogeneous sample (N = 180) student teachers) were analyzed using a similar predictive model to examine Time 2 somatic symptoms, controlling for Time 1 levels. Again, the demand × discretion × support interaction was significant (p <.05); its form was closely similar to that found in Study I. These results are discussed in relation to the existing literature, with reference to theoretical and methodological issues. © 1994 Academic Press, Inc.

Original publication

DOI

10.1006/jvbe.1994.1006

Type

Journal article

Journal

Journal of Vocational Behavior

Publication Date

01/01/1994

Volume

44

Pages

91 - 113