The Role of Social Support in Dealing With the Different Types of Stressors: Social Support in the Workplace

Introduction

In the past, various stress models have identified social support as a coping mechanism towards life stressors and the negative effects of stress (Gore, 2008; Kahn & Byosiere, 1992; Thomas & Ganster, 1995). Although the definition surrounding the concept of social support appears to be multidimensional, there is a general agreement that social support serves as a basis for people to connect and feels to belong on other people to meet certain basic needs (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Ryan & Deci, 2000; Ryan & Deci, 2017). A person’s social relationships stem from multiple sources within the immediate environment they live in. These social relationships include, but are not limited to, peers, family members, employers/supervisors or work colleagues. Over the years, the pursuit of practical research and theory development concerning social support has led to more specific and operational defined terminology related to the concept of social support.

Based on some of the past conceptual understanding of social support and its functionality, social support provides people a sense of belonging. The individual feels that he/she is receiving care, being loved and valued within the social support network that he/she belongs and the obligation is reciprocated by individuals within the social support network. Nevertheless, from a workplace context, Karasek and Theorell (1990) pointed out that social support generates communication that provides help on a social and task level on the job from co-workers and organizational leaders. Social support in the workplace serves as a means for individuals to take control over stressful aspects and manage their responsibilities more efficiently in the working environment.