Moderating effects of affective disposition and social support on the relationship between person-environment fit and strain

The moderating effects of affective disposition and social support on the relationship between fit and strains were examined. Person-environment fit was measured in terms of occupational needs and reinforcers. Both positive and negative affectivity were investigated. Data were collected by means of a self-report questionnaire from 241 nurses in a Canadian hospital. Consistent with previous findings, fit was related to work satisfaction and all but one measure of psychological strain. Some support was found for the moderating effects of positive affectivity on work satisfaction and burnout, and scores on both positive and negative affectivity showed significant main effects on strain measures. Although there was no evidence of a buffering effect for social support, main effects of social support were significant for work satisfaction and one component of burnout, i.e., emotional exhaustion. Implications are discussed and recommendations for future research proposed.