The Impact of Perceived Social Support on Workplace Loneliness. The Mediation Role of Work Alienation

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to investigate how perceived social support influences workplace loneliness, with a focus on the mediating role of work alienation. Existing research on the relationship between workplace loneliness, perceived social support, and employee engagement is notably limited. Recognizing the significance of social connections in individuals' lives, it is crucial to acknowledge that a substantial portion of our time is spent in the workplace. Failing to cultivate such relationships may predispose individuals to experience feelings of loneliness. Employing a cross-sectional design, the study gathered data from a convenient sample comprising 178 participants (48 males, 130 females), aged between 21 and 53 years (M=30.88, SD=9.00). Structured questionnaires, namely the Loneliness at Work Scale, The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Work Alienation Scale, were utilized for data collection. The findings revealed a negative correlation between perceived social support and workplace loneliness (r=-.729, p<.01). Similarly, perceived social support exhibited a negative association with work alienation (r=-.744, p<.01). Additionally, work alienation emerged as a robust mediator in the relationship between perceived social support and workplace loneliness (z = -4.12, p = .000). To enhance the explanatory capacity of the proposed model, future studies could consider incorporating additional variables. These may include jobrelated affective well-being, organizational commitment, or organizational citizenship behavior, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate connections between perceived social support and workplace loneliness.