The Buffering Effect of Social Support on Stress: A Study of Public Sector Managers in Sweden

Abstract: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations of social support functions predicted stress using a sample of public sector managers in Sweden. Additionally, the study aimed to contribute to psychological literature due to the scarcity of research on the ill health of managers, and the impact of support functions on occupational stress. Whilst, the aim was also to identify the most influential predictor of reduced stress. Methodologically, a quantitative approach was utilized and data was collected through a digital questionnaire, answered by public sector managers in Sweden (N = 172). Seven hypotheses were tested through a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that increased levels of perceived supervisory support, support from a network of managerial colleagues in the organization, and supportive communication climate were all significant predictors of reduced levels of stress. The most influential predictor was support from a network of managerial colleagues in the organization. These findings emphasized the importance of social support in reducing stress among public sector managers, who are statistically overrepresented concerning ill health and sick leave related to mental health issues. The hope is that these findings can be valuable to public sector organizations in Sweden, and contribute to a deeper understanding of how to create sustainable and health-promotive workplaces.