Examining The Work Of Social Workers From The Perspective Of Social Support

Based on Job Demands-Resources model and Social Support theory, this research explored the relationship between social support of social workers and their work engagement. Using the PSSS and UWES for data collection, drawing upon a sample of284social workers from Y social work agency in Shanghai, this study employed an integrative framework to investigate how social support influenced the work engagement of social workers. The results of multiple regression analyses suggested a strong association between social support and work engagement. And the level of work engagement was in the medium level. The main findings were as follows:(1) For those social workers who were younger than30years old or worked less than5years, their family support was found to improve their level of work engagement.(2) Their friend support and work engagement were positively correlated.(3) Their work support (including leadership support, supervisor support, and colleague support) was more likely to promote their level of work engagement.(4) Higher regime support (including welfare subsidies) appeared to be associated with higher level of work engagement.(5) Social support and the three dimensions of work engagement-vigor, dedication, and absorption were positively correlated.(6) Higher level of education was associated with lower level of work engagement.