Job stress management protocol using a merge between cognitive-behavioral techniques and ergonomic tools

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health Psychology
• Ergonomics
• Workplace Mental Health

Background:

• Work distress arises from a combination of non-ergonomic task/environmental factors and adverse perceived conditions.
• Existing assessment methods often fail to integrate individual and organizational factors simultaneously.
• A comprehensive approach is needed to address the multifaceted nature of work distress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel protocol for work distress assessment.
• To introduce the Cognitive-Behavioral Work Analysis Technique (CEWAT) as a psycho-ergonomics method.
• To demonstrate the application and benefits of CEWAT in complex work systems.

Main Methods:

• Developed CEWAT by integrating cognitive-behavioral techniques and work ergonomic analysis.
• Structured CEWAT into distinct foundational steps.
• Applied CEWAT to a case study involving a complex and dangerous system.

Main Results:

• CEWAT provides a unified framework for assessing work distress by considering both individual perceptions and organizational factors.
• The psycho-ergonomics approach effectively bridges cognitive-behavioral principles with ergonomic analysis.
• Application in a high-risk environment highlighted CEWAT's practical utility and benefits for ergonomic interventions.

Conclusions:

• CEWAT offers a robust and integrated method for work distress assessment.
• The technique is valuable for improving workplace well-being and safety.
• This protocol advances the field of occupational health and ergonomics.