Prevention of work-related psychological disorders: A national strategy proposed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Abstract

With regard to the physical health and safety of workers, the work environment is generally viewed as a threat or risk factor. Similarly, work can have adverse consequences for mental health, but it can also have an important positive impact. In Western society at least, work experience plays a n integral role in psychological development and well-being.This perspective is aptly expressed for Albert Camus (1955): "Without risk, all life goes rotten, but when work is soulless, life stifles and dies." Smith and Smith (1973) claimed that occupations can provide a framework for the organization of behavior. Gardell (1971) suggested that "due to influences exerted by the Protestant ethic and other culturally conditioned factors . . . it is probable that most people perceive work to be one of the most important life areas for the individual's general satisfaction" (p. 149). Psychoanalytic theorists view work as a primary source of self-identity. Lazarus (1981) recounted Erikson's (1963) depiction of Biff, a character in Arthur Miller's Death ofa Salesman, as suffering "ego-diffusion" for lack of ability to develop a sense of usefulness or productivity (p. 57). Hertzberg (19661, McGregor (1960), andArgyris (1964) wrote of motivation, esteem, and self-actualization through work. Lazarus saw another psychologically healthful function of work: a form of coping and refuge and a haven against problems, loneliness, and depression. Several studies on termination from work tend to bear our such tenets. Linn, Sandifer, and Stein t 1985) found increased levels of somatization, depression, and anxiety in the unemployed, as well as increased visits to the doctor, medication use, and days in bed.These considerations add significance to the prevention of work-related psychological disorders and distinguish such efforts from efforts toward the prevention of other occupational injuries and diseases; that is, the promise is not only reduced Other members of the working group included

Some effects of teenagers' part‐time employment: The quantity and quality of work make the difference

“…While autonomy, role clarity, skill variety and interrole conflict all contribute to the experience of work, they do not capture the full meaning of the quality of employment. For example, social interactions at work (Sauter et al, 1990) and task significance, task identity, and feedback (Hackman and Oldman, 1980) also contribute to the psychological experience of employment and should be included when conceptualizing and operationalizing the quality of teenagers' part-time employment. Moreover, teenage part-time employment may also entail some unique aspects of employment quality (e.g.…”

“…First, teenagers' work is frequently portrayed as lacking in role clarity, autonomy, and skill variety (Garson, 1985), and teenagers employed part-time may well experience considerable time-based conflict between schoolwork and job demands Sunter, 1992). Second, these four characteristics are a central part of job design theories (Hackman and Oldham, 1980;Sauter, Murphy and Hurrell, 1% Warr, 1983, and are associated with occupational mental health (Sauter et al, 1990). Role ambiguity is a central role stressor, and meta-analyses demonstrate its negative effects on a variety of personal and organizational outcomes (Fisher and Gitelson, 1983;Jackson and Schuler, 1985).…”

Ergonomic practices within patient care units are associated with musculoskeletal pain and limitations

“…[Macdonald, et al 2008, Sauter, et al 2002] A comprehensive set of organizational policy and practice measures has been developed as part of an ecological framework for relationships between company's’ corporate culture and injury and disability incidents. [Amick, et al 2004, Gimeno, et al 2005, Habeck, et al 1998] These measures contain metrics for safety diligence, ergonomic practices, disability management, safety leadership, and people oriented culture.…”

Over the Line: Managers' experience of a labour strike

“…Bluen and Barling (1988) described the central dynamics of industrial relations as comprising conflict and change, both noted stressors. Strikes are also rooted in the perception of injustice, also a recognized stressor (e.g., Elovainio, Kivimaki, & Helkama, 2001;Francis & Barling, 2005;Sauter, Murphy, & Hurrell, 1991).…”