What is the Origin of Workplace Surveillance Psychoneuroimmunology?

This highly specific term merges the established fields of occupational health, stress psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), and industrial psychology. The modern relevance stems from the increased use of digital monitoring and performance metrics in contemporary workplaces, creating a unique stressor. It provides a framework for understanding the biological cost of specific work environments.

What is the Mechanism of Workplace Surveillance Psychoneuroimmunology?

Chronic workplace surveillance acts as a psychological stressor, activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to sustained, elevated cortisol levels. This chronic endocrine dysregulation suppresses key immune functions, alters the balance of sex hormones, and impacts neurotransmitter systems. The sustained hormonal imbalance and sympathetic nervous system activation contribute to systemic inflammation and reduced physiological durability.

Workplace Surveillance Psychoneuroimmunology ∞ Area

Workplace Surveillance Psychoneuroimmunology

Meaning

The specialized, interdisciplinary field that investigates the complex, bidirectional interactions among psychological stress induced by workplace monitoring or surveillance, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. This research focuses on how perceived lack of autonomy and constant observation can lead to chronic stress, resulting in dysregulation of the HPA axis, altered hormone secretion, and subsequent immune system compromise. It is a study of occupational stress pathology.