Abstract
Abstract : Orientation – Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in the workforce. As organisations undergo continuous change the uncertainty and stress associated with it, suggests that employee psychological well-being has emerged as an important concern. Research purpose – With the use of the enhanced Demands Resources and Individual Effects Model, the study aimed to determine the main effects of specific kinds of social support on two specific occupational health outcomes, namely burnout and work engagement. The study also investigated whether the specific kinds of social support may serve a protective function against the negative effects of anxiety on burnout and work engagement. Motivation for the study - There is a limited body of knowledge that exists investigating the impact of specific kinds of social support on occupational health outcomes. Research design, approach, and method - A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample (N=268) was comprised of participants that are employed in South Africa in various organisations. Data was gathered by the use of the DASS-21, the South African Burnout Scale, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9), and the Social Provisions Scale. Main finding: The results of the study showed that different forms of social support, predict burnout and work engagement. However, two exceptions were found, for opportunity for nurturance where no direct effects were found for burnout and work engagement; and attachment, where no direct effects were found for work engagement. Social support did not moderate the relationships between anxiety on the one hand and burnout and work engagement on the other. v Practical/managerial implications - The study contributes to the limited knowledge available on the different constructs of social support and validates some aspects of the enhanced DRIVE model. It provides organisations with an understanding in terms of which forms of social support may be more effective in assisting people with anxiety and for developing appropriate interventions to decrease burnout and increase work engagement.
M.Phil. (Industrial Psychology)