The Impact of Emotional Labor and Social Support on Depression Among Social Workers : Focusing on Social Support’s Moderating Effect

This study examined the impact of emotional labor and social support on depression among social workers. This study also investigated whether social support moderates the effect of emotional labor on depression among social workers. A cross-sectional study using anonymous research survey methods was conducted in a sample of 287 social workers in Seoul city and near cities. Research participants completed instruments of social support, emotional labor and depression. The findings indicate that increased emotional labor was associated with a high level of depression. Social support was important predictor for depression. This research study also found that there was evidence in favor of the moderating roles of social support on the relationship between emotional labor and depression. For social workers, clinical implications of the findings will be discussed.