Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Date of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science and Health

First Advisor

Ian Katz

Abstract

As the global workforce ages, traditional work design models that assume job resources are universally beneficial require re-evaluation. Drawing upon lifespan development and socioemotional selectivity theory, this longitudinal study examined how chronological age moderates the effects of skill discretion and coworker support on job-related mental health over a 20-year period. Data from three waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) survey (N = 3,890) were analyzed using linear mixed models to separate within-person changes from between-person differences. Results indicated that skill discretion and coworker support were positively associated with job-related mental health overall. The hypothesis that the benefits of skill discretion would weaken with age was not supported; instead, the need for complex, enriching tasks remained stable. However, the association between coworker support and job-related mental health strengthened significantly as individuals aged. Post hoc exploratory analyses revealed this shift was primarily driven by men, who became increasingly reliant on workplace social support in later career stages, whereas women maintained a consistently high reliance on support throughout their lifespan. These findings highlight that the utility of workplace social support is not static but evolves alongside shifting developmental priorities and socialized identities. This study's results can be used to inform researchers and organizations about the dynamic nature of person–environment fit, emphasizing the need for ongoing job enrichment and socially supportive work designs to sustain employee wellbeing across the entire career trajectory.

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