Enhanced Co-Worker Social Support in Isolated Work Groups and Its Mitigating Role on the Work-Family Conflict-Depression Loss Spiral

Wesley P. McTernan, Maureen F. Dollard, Michelle R. Tuckey and Robert J. Vandenberg
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Wesley P. McTernan: Asia Pacific Centre for Work Health and Safety, University of South Australia, Magill 5072, Australia
Maureen F. Dollard: Asia Pacific Centre for Work Health and Safety, University of South Australia, Magill 5072, Australia
Michelle R. Tuckey: Asia Pacific Centre for Work Health and Safety, University of South Australia, Magill 5072, Australia
Robert J. Vandenberg: Department of Management, Terry College of Business, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA

IJERPH, 2016, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-13

Abstract: This paper examines a loss spiral model ( i.e. , reciprocal relationships) between work-family conflict and depression, moderated by co-worker support. We expected that the moderation effect due to co-worker support would be evident among those working in isolation ( i.e. , mining workers) due to a greater level of intragroup attraction and saliency attributable to the proximity effects. We used a two wave panel study and data from a random population sample of Australian employees ( n = 2793, [ n = 112 mining, n = 2681 non-mining]). Using structural equation modelling we tested the reciprocal three way interaction effects. In line with our theory, co-worker support buffered the reciprocal relationship between WFC and depression, showing a protective effect in both pathways. These moderation effects were found in the mining industry only suggesting a proximity component moderates the social support buffer hypothesis ( i.e. , a three way interaction effect). The present paper integrates previous theoretical perspectives of stress and support, and provides insight into the changing dynamics of workplace relationships.

Keywords: depression; work-family conflict; social support; mining (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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