An examination of the job demand-control-support model with various occupational strain indicators

Abstract In this study the Job Demand-Control-Support model is examined using four occupational strain indicators: (psycho) somatic complaints, psychological distress, job dissatisfaction, and absenteeism. In two samples from the Dutch working population (total n=4000), the results of three strain indicators support the iso-strain hypothesis: high time pressure, low control, and low social support are associated with lower well-being. For absenteeism the iso-strain hypothesis is not confirmed, as this outcome is only associated with low control and low social support. Analyses examining the potential buffering effects of control and support on the impact of high demands indicate that various forms of control can moderate the impact of high demands, but only consistently do so in circumstances of high supervisor support. The main conclusion on the basis of these results is that the focus should not exclusively be on job control. The social support dimension should be included in future research on occupational stress, as well as in efforts to create ‘healthier work’.

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