The influence of Loneliness, Occupational Stress and Social Support on Psychological Distress among working couples in different locations

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Abstract

In today’s globalized workforce, dual-career couples are increasingly navigating the complexities of living apart due to occupational demands. This study explores the predictive influence of loneliness, occupational stress, and social support on psychological distress among purposive selected 250 legally married individuals working in geographically separate locations across Nigeria and The Gambia. Adopting a cross-sectional survey design, the study employed standardized instruments to measure key psycho-social variables. Regression analysis revealed that loneliness, occupational stress, and social support jointly accounted for 12.1% of the variance in psychological distress. Notably, occupational stress emerged as the most significant predictor, while loneliness and social support exhibited weaker individual effects—suggesting a complex, interactive relationship rather than isolated impacts. The findings highlight how emotional isolation, work-related pressure, and perceived support, as a result of limited by physical distance interacted to worsen psychological distress. Further analysis revealed that gender differences in psychological distress were statistically insignificant, although subtle gendered patterns in emotional coping and role expectations were observed. These insights underscore the psychological vulnerability of long-distance couples and challenge simplistic views of support and stress. The study advocates for targeted interventions, including flexible work arrangements, virtual support systems, and gender-sensitive mental health services. By emphasizing the synergistic effects of multiple psycho-social stressors, this research advances a holistic understanding of mental health among geographically separated couples, with implications for both clinical practice and organizational policy in an increasingly mobile world.