Occupational psychology: what it is and how it works

Occupational psychology is a relatively new specialty in the behavioral sciences. In general terms, it is the branch that studies and applies psychological theories and principles to the behavior of individuals within the framework of work.

This field is also called occupational psychology and, until recently, it was known as industrial psychology. Explains the magazine Psychology from the Caribbean which was assimilated as a subdiscipline at the end of the 19th century, with the premise of benefiting society from the analysis of the role of the worker in an organization, contemplating its performance and the conditions that influence it.

But the name fell short of covering the different work activities that exist, including self-employment, so it was considered that the term “occupational” was more in line with the object of study.

In a company or on an individual level, The main contribution of this psychology is to prevent the activity from generating negative consequences on the physical and mental health of a person. Likewise, it helps to identify and develop individual potential, while increasing motivation.

The origins of occupational psychology

Occupational psychology is a field with tradition, although it did not always maintain the same name. The oldest antecedent is a monograph prepared by Paracelsus and titled Miner’s disease and other illnesses of minerswhich dates back to 1567. The author described the working conditions of these groups and the potential effects on their health.

Later there were other investigative efforts, among which stood out Craftsmen’s diseases, by Bernardino Ramazzini. He is considered the “father of occupational medicine,” reports the American Journal of Public Healthas he documented his observations on workers’ conditions and taught courses aimed at these problems.

The point is that centuries ago it was detected that work can produce effects on people’s physical and mental health. Although these investigations did not have knowledge in psychology, The researchers noted that work tasks also caused emotional impacts.

Occupational psychology gained strength after Wilhelm Wundt turned the study of behavior into an experimental science. This happened in 1879, when Wundt founded the first laboratory at the University of Leipzig, dedicated to analyzing behavior. Soon the work also became an object of study.

However, at first, work psychology was oriented towards productivity. The analyzes focused on finding methods that guaranteed greater employee performance. Although it prevails as a central concern of this branch, since the mid-20th century, great importance has been given to the well-being of the worker.

One of the purposes is to understand human behavior and ensure that it favors job performance.

The field of study of occupational psychology

Occupational psychology comprises three main aspects. The first is job analysis. The main instrument used in this area is professionalism.. This is a graphic description of the activities that must be carried out when carrying out a certain job, along with the skills necessary to carry it out.

The second point is the adaptation of the human being to a specific job.. This includes the analysis of particular individuals, in order to predict whether they fit the requirements of the job or not. Likewise, they evaluate the possible adjustment to the mechanisms through which it will be possible to maintain motivation and develop the potential of the subjects.

The third aspect is the adaptation of the job to the worker. It includes the study and management of environmental factors that favor or hinder work, as well as their effects on each person in particular. From there, a health and safety policy and measures must emerge to protect the employee.

Occupational psychology also covers health and safety policies in favor of the worker.

What is the outlook for this branch of psychology?

Work psychology has a growing presence in organizations and its impact is increasing. What is expected in the coming years is that the world of work will undergo major transformationsfollowing the incursion of artificial intelligence and robotics in a more forceful way.

Thus, it is likely that a significant change in the labor market will occur in the next decade. Many of the competencies that are required until now will take a backseat and some new ones will emerge. At the same time, the way functions are carried out will be radically altered.

Therefore, The figure of the occupational psychologist will be more strategic in organizations. Both the coming changes and their implications will require transformations in the attitude and skills of workers. This professional area has a great future.

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