Stress and coping at the workplace : The role of self-efficacy and social support

The present research explores whether levels of self-efficacy act as an additional moderator variable in the Job Demand-Control-Support (JDCS) Model, and also examine the role that work support and coping have in predicting health and occupational outcomes. Study 1 and Study 2 sought to identify modifiable factors of the working environment (work support) and the individual (general self-efficacy, work self-efficacy, and coping strategies) that operate through various processes to influence health and occupational well-being. Study 2 was designed to address some of the limitations arising from Study 1, while also endeavouring to discern stronger findings. The JDCS Model was shown to be a stronger predictor of health and occupational outcomes than the JDC Model in both Study 1 and 2. Study 1 supported the addition of general self-efficacy to only the JDC model, and not the JDCS Model. Study 2 supported the addition of work self-efficacy to both the JDC Model and the JDCS Model. Study 3 was an intervention study that was successful in improving work self-efficacy, instrumental support coping, and health and occupational outcomes. These studies contribute additional knowledge about the antecedents and the effects of work stress, and contribute to the understanding of many years of inconsistent evidence concerning the moderating role of self-efficacy, social support, and coping on the stressor-strain relationship in the workplace. Stress and Coping at the Workplace.