What is the Origin of Psychosocial Stressors at Work?

This concept originates from occupational health psychology and sociology, recognizing that the social and mental aspects of work are as impactful as physical hazards. The term "Psychosocial" emphasizes the interaction between the individual's psychological state and the social environment. Research models, such as the Job Demand-Control-Support model, have provided the framework for systematically classifying and measuring these workplace factors.

What is the Mechanism of Psychosocial Stressors at Work?

Workplace psychosocial stressors activate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis through the brain's continuous appraisal of the work environment as threatening or overwhelming. The sustained perceived threat leads to chronic hypersecretion of cortisol and epinephrine, maintaining the body in a state of high vigilance. This prolonged catabolic state disrupts normal diurnal rhythms, compromises immune surveillance, and promotes metabolic dysfunction, linking poor work design directly to chronic disease pathology.

Psychosocial Stressors at Work ∞ Area

Psychosocial Stressors at Work

Meaning

Psychosocial Stressors at Work are the organizational, relational, and job-content factors within a professional environment that trigger an adverse psychological and physiological stress response in employees. These stressors include high job demands coupled with low control, lack of social support, role ambiguity, and effort-reward imbalance. Chronic exposure to these factors is a primary driver of allostatic load and subsequent health decline in the working population.