Occupational Stress, Social Support, and Control

Copyright ©  2008  Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

In previous research, physicians reported "the highest workloads, the greatest responsibility for people, and the highest levels of job complexity." Evidence has been increasing that "emotional distress" is an occupational hazard for physicians. In light of this, physicians (N=210) were used to test a model of the relationship among occupational stress, social support, locus of control, and depression.

The findings confirm the model developed. Specifically, the findings are, as follows:

• occupational stress is directly related to the development of depression (or symptoms of depression);
  
  
• This relationship is moderated
  • directly by family social and emotional support (but not by peer support), and
    
    
  • indirectly by the influence of locus of control on family social support. That is, family support significantly reduces the effects of occupational stress on depression, while locus of control moderates the perception of stress. According to the authors "individuals with a strong sense of personal control are more able in the presence of stressful situations, to cope effectively than individuals without this characteristic."
    
    
  
  
  

Source: Revicki, D.A. and May, H.J. Occupational stress, social support, and depression. Health Psychology, 4 (1), 61-77. 1985 via George Wise, Missouri Extension Child and Family Development Specialist, July 1985.

Sue Meyers
University of Minnesota Extension Service

Originally published in July 1985

College of Human Ecology in cooperation with the University of Minnesota Extension Service

Return to Stress Management Briefs...

Produced by Communication and Educational Technology Services, University of Minnesota Extension.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact your University of Minnesota Extension office or the Distribution Center at (800) 876-8636.

University of Minnesota Extension is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.