Occupational health psychology

Occupational Health Psychology (OHP) is an interdisciplinary area of psychology that focuses on the science and practice of maintaining and improving the physical and psychological health of workers. This field draws from several disciplines, including Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Health Psychology, and Public Health.

History

The field of Occupational Health Psychology was formally established in the 1990s, although its roots can be traced back to the early 20th century with the work of Frederick Winslow Taylor and his studies on Scientific Management. The term "Occupational Health Psychology" was first used in 1990 by Raymond S. Nickerson in an article published in the American Psychologist.

Scope and Focus

Occupational Health Psychology focuses on the study and application of psychological theories and principles to improve the quality of work life, and to protect and promote the safety, health and well-being of workers. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including Workplace Stress, Work-Life Balance, Workplace Bullying, Job Satisfaction, and Organizational Culture.

Methods

OHP researchers use a variety of methods to study the relationships between work conditions and health, including Survey Methodology, Longitudinal Studies, Experimental Design, and Qualitative Research methods.

Applications

The findings from OHP research are applied in various ways to improve workplace health and safety. This includes the development of interventions to reduce work-related stress, improve work-life balance, and prevent workplace bullying and harassment.

Professional Organizations

Several professional organizations exist to support the field of Occupational Health Psychology, including the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology (EA-OHP) and the Society for Occupational Health Psychology (SOHP).

See Also

• Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Public Health
• Workplace Stress
• Work-Life Balance
• Workplace Bullying
• Job Satisfaction
• Organizational Culture