Protective Effects of Perceived Social Support on Anxiety in Health-Care Environments: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Professional Subgroups

Health-care workers are at an elevated risk of anxiety due to their high emotional and operational demands. While social support is recognized as a buffer against psychological distress, little is known about how its protective role differs according to sex, marital status, and departmental setting. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a regional general hospital in Greece, with 162 health-care professionals. Participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The data were analyzed using correlation, regression, and PROCESS-based mediation and moderation models. Perceived social support was significantly and negatively associated with both state and trait anxiety. Regression analysis showed that social support was a robust independent predictor of lower anxiety. Female participants reported higher anxiety levels, which was partially mediated by lower perceived support. Marital status moderated the support–anxiety relationship, with divorced individuals benefiting most from support. Departmental differences emerged, with psychiatric staff showing lower anxiety and a stronger protective effect of social support than administrative staff. Perceived social support reduces anxiety among health-care professionals, and the magnitude of its effect is influenced by sex, marital status, and occupational context.