How Does Perceived Organizational Support Reduce the Effect of Working Environmental Risk on Occupational Strain? A Study of Chinese Geological Investigators

Background: Sensitivity to working environmental risks is essential to ensure the safety of geological investigators, but persistent perceived risks may lead to occupational strain, with negative effects on physical and mental health. This study aimed to find ways to reduce the negative consequences of working environmental risk perception without losing situational awareness. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted with 268 participants from geological survey organizations, measuring their perception of working environmental risk, occupational strain, perceived organizational support, and other stressors. Results: (1) The perception of working environmental risk and occupational strain of geological investigators was significantly higher than that of administrative staff, managers, and scientific researchers. (2) Working environmental risk is an important predictor of occupational strain in geological investigators even after controlling for other stressors. (3) Different dimensions of perceived organizational support play different roles in stress management; socio-emotional support negatively predicts occupational strain, and instrumental support moderates the relationship between working environmental risk perception and occupational strain. Conclusions: Our findings identify working environmental risk as one of the most prominent stressors for geological investigators. Socio-emotional support directly reduces occupational strain, while instrumental support buffers the effect of risk perception on occupational strain.