Occupational Health Psychology

Introduction

As organizations today are facing challenges in their efforts to perform effectively, there is increasing agreement that to be successful, they need to focus on employee health and well-being for a unique competitive advantage. The field of occupational health psychology aims to help organizations address this need.

Standing at the intersection of health psychology, work and organizational psychology, and social and environmental psychology, occupational health psychology is a field of psychology concerned with improving the quality of work life, and with protecting and promoting the health, well-being and safety of workers.

This course on occupational health psychology will help students understand the field of occupational health psychology, reflect on central theories, research, and practices associated with occupational health psychology, and identify how to best advise organizations and employees dealing with occupational health issues.

Course content

Topics covered in the course include:

• Theories of occupational stress, health, and well-being
• Positive occupational health psychology
• Sources, boundary conditions, and consequences of occupational stress, health, and well-being
• Coping and deviant workplace behaviors
• Preventive stress management strategies
• Psychological health and interventions