Impact of Job Stress on Job Burnout: Perceived Social Support Moderating Variable

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of job stress on job burnout and to investigate the moderating role of perceived social support among lecturers working at public and private universities in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach: The data for this study was collected through a questionnaire that was distributed to 385 lecturers working at 29 public and private universities in Jordan. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data because of its ability to examine complex models with multi-layer equations, simultaneously observe and measure latent variables, and control measurement errors during relationship assessment. Findings: The results of the study showed that job stress has a significant positive impact on job burnout among lecturers in Jordan. Additionally, the results demonstrated that perceived social support has a moderating role in the relationship between job stress and job burnout. This means that if lecturers perceive that they have social support, such as emotional support from colleagues, friends, or family, it can help reduce the negative impact of job stress on job burnout. Therefore, social support can help mitigate the negative effects of job stress on job burnout among lecturers in Jordan. Originality: This study contributes to the existing literature on job stress and job burnout by examining the moderating role of perceived social support in this relationship among lecturers in Jordan. This research also provides insights into the factors that can help prevent or mitigate job burnout among lecturers in Jordan.