The Demands-Buffering Role of Perceived and Received Social Support for Perceived Stress and Cortisol Levels

Abstract. Background: Social support is known as a crucial resource in buffering the effect of stress in terms of negative outcomes. Nevertheless, research on potential buffering effects of support before stress sets in has mostly entailed experimental studies. Thus, the current literature limits the transferability into the field, especially concerning the different roles of perceived and actually received social support. Aim: This study aims to extend research on the mechanisms behind the demands-buffering effects of social support. Accordingly, the job demands-resources framework undergirded our analysis of the effects of different aspects of social support (perceived vs. received support and support quality vs. quantity) on the relationship between demands and perceived stress as well as cortisol levels. Method: Data were collected from N = 125 participants at two measurement points 4 weeks apart, using questionnaires, social network analysis, and salivary cortisol. Results: Study findings reveal that (1) buffering effects of support were different for perceived stress and cortisol levels; (2) the buffering effect of perceived support depended on the level of demands, how stress was measured, and whether received support was included in the model; and (3) support quality demonstrated a demand-buffering effect, while support quantity showed contradictory patterns. Limitations: Limitations concerning the sample characteristics and measurement approaches are discussed. Conclusion: Overall, received support, especially quality, seems most relevant for buffering the effect of demands on stress. Moreover, the findings emphasize the need to assess social support as a multidimensional construct to better understand the mechanism of its demand-buffering effects.