Psychosocial risks at work: integrative review and conceptual perspectives

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health Psychology
• Organizational Behavior
• Risk Management

Background:

• Psychosocial risks in the workplace are a growing concern impacting employee health and organizational performance.
• Existing literature presents conceptual variations and confusion regarding definitions and operationalization of psychosocial risks.
• A clear understanding is crucial for developing effective workplace interventions and promoting well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an integrative review of scientific literature on workplace psychosocial risks.
• To critically examine definitions, identify conceptual convergences/divergences, and propose an operational understanding.
• To differentiate between psychosocial risks, risk factors, and protective factors for practical application.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of 24 empirical articles (2017-2021) from Web of Science and Scopus.
• Adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Analysis of conceptual variations and proposed an integrative definition and operationalization strategy.

Main Results:

• Significant conceptual variation exists in the literature regarding psychosocial risks.
• Common confusion identified between "psychosocial risks" (outcomes) and "psychosocial risk factors" (conditions).
• An integrative definition was developed, highlighting interactions between structural, organizational, social, and individual factors.

Conclusions:

• A clear distinction between risks, risk factors, and protective factors is essential for effective interventions.
• The proposed integrative definition and operational approach enhance conceptual clarity.
• This study provides a foundation for improving occupational health and workplace well-being through better risk management.