The mediational effect of social support between organizational identification and employees’ health: a three-wave study on the social cure model

Background: Recent research postulated that organizational identification plays an important role in employees’ health and well-being. Building on the Social Identity Approach as a framework, we test the so-called social cure hypothesis, according to which group-based processes of social support should reduce employees’ psychological distress. Design and Methods: While there is a considerable amount of cross-sectional evidence concerning the positive role played by organizational identification in this dynamic, there is a lack of full panel studies. This study tries to fill this gap by using data from a sample of technical and administrative staff of a University in Italy at three time points (N = 96). Data were analyzed using Autoregressive Cross-Lagged Panel models. Results: We found support for the hypothesized longitudinal mediational model. Specifically, strongly identified employees tend to receive more social support, and this in turn reduces psychological distress over time. Conclusions: This study is the first test of the social cure hypothesis in an organizational context that uses a panel study design. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications for management.