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.
Pronunciation
Occupational: /ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl/ Health: /hɛlθ/ Psychology: /saɪˈkɒlədʒi/
Etymology
The term "Occupational Health Psychology" is derived from three words: "Occupational" which comes from the Latin "occupatio", meaning "a taking possession"; "Health" which comes from the Old English "hælþ", meaning "wholeness, a being whole, sound or well"; and "Psychology" which comes from the Greek "psyche", meaning "soul, mind" and "logia", meaning "study of".
Definition
Occupational Health Psychology (OHP) involves the application of psychology to improving the quality of work life, and to protecting and promoting the safety, health and well-being of workers. It is concerned with psychosocial factors in the work environment and the development, implementation and evaluation of interventions to reduce occupational stress and improve health outcomes.
Related Terms
- Workplace Stress: The harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.
- Job Satisfaction: A worker's sense of achievement and success on the job. It is generally perceived to be directly linked to productivity as well as to personal well-being.
- Work-Life Balance: The balance that an individual needs between time allocated for work and other aspects of life.
- Occupational Health: The field of health care made up of multiple disciplines dedicated to the well-being and safety of employees in the workplace.
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology: The scientific study of human behavior in the workplace and applies psychological theories and principles to organizations.
See Also
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