Mediating effect of perceived stress between social capital and work satisfaction among modern service industry workers in Shanghai

Abstract

Background To explore the relationship among social capital, perceived stress, and work satisfaction to provide a basis for improving work satisfaction among modern service industry workers.Methods A total of 737 employees from two units belonging to modern service industries in Shanghai were investigated through purposive sampling. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to collect data. The relationships among these variables were analyzed using a multiple linear regression model and structural equation model.Results After controlling for demographics, perceived stress was shown to be a negative predictor of work satisfaction, while social capital had a significant positive predictive effect. Structural equation modeling confirmed that perceived stress partially mediated the relation between social capital and work satisfaction.Conclusion Social capital could be an efficient method for improving work satisfaction directly or indirectly by reducing perceived stress.