IMPACT OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT ON NURSES’ WORKPLACE LONELINESS: EXAMINING THE MEDIATING ROLE OF WORK ALIENATION IN PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN THE GAMPAHA DISTRICT, SRI LANKA

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate how perceived social support impacts workplace loneliness among nurses in private hospitals in the Gampaha district, with work alienation acting as a mediating variable. Although there is extensive literature on workplace loneliness, perceived social support, work alienation, and its psychological consequences, research into Sri Lanka's private healthcare industry is limited. In particular, the effects of perceived social support on workplace loneliness, with work alienation acting as a mediator, have not been thoroughly explored among nurses in private hospitals. This research is deductive research. This research was conducted using a survey research strategy and quantitative research method. The study targeted 316 nurses from four private hospitals in the Gampaha district and was carried out as a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 169 nurses selected through simple random sampling. A standardized questionnaire was administered online through Google Forms to obtain primary data. The data was analyzed with SPSS, which used correlation, regression, and descriptive statistics to assess the associations between the variables. The data show a significant negative relationship between perceived social support and workplace loneliness, as well as perceived social support and work alienation. Conversely, there was a significant positive correlation between work alienation and workplace loneliness. Furthermore, work alienation was found to be a significant mediator in the relationship between perceived social support and workplace loneliness. These findings highlight the crucial role of social support systems in promoting occupational well-being and reducing feelings of alienation among healthcare workers. The study has practical relevance for hospital administrators in designing and implementing interventions that enhance supportive work environments, hence increasing employee satisfaction and retention.