Complementary to constructs such as the Job Strain Model (JSM) and Effort-Reward Imbalance, that are based heavily upon sociological theory, are approaches derived from cognitive ergonomics and brain research. These help describe, in more quantitative terms, the burden of work processes upon the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, e.g., when speaking of psychologically demanding work, we can go far beyond queries about "working hard" and "working fast, to analyze tasks in terms of allocation of mental resources. In the Occupational Stress Index (OSI), an additive burden model, we have sought to delineate work stressors relevant to the CV system, including psychological demands, in terms of how the CNS receives and processes information. Thus, we consider objective factors such as the nature and temporal density of incoming signals, the complexity and speed with which these are processed, inter alia, as well as how much control the worker has in modulating these, and other, demanding factors. From the vantage point of cognitive ergonomics, there is an inextricable coupling between the demand and the control dimensions: with sufficient decision-latitude, or control, a worker can modulate even a fairly onerous, though not overwhelming, psychological workload to meet his or her moment-to-moment needs and capacities. This approach helps us to better define, and thereby hopefully to protect the worker against exposure to overwhelming psychological demands. Cognitive ergonomics and brain research also point us to another dimension of stressful work: "disaster potential" or "symbolic aversiveness", a new dimension incorporated into the OSI. For survival reasons, our nervous systems are constructed to selectively allocate mental resources to threatening stimuli, even if the threat is only of a symbolic nature. The heaviest burden upon conscious attentional resources occurs when one continuously follows a barrage of signals to which he or she must be prepared to rapidly respond, such that momentary lapse, error or delay could have serious, or even fatal consequences; this is Threat Avoidant Vigilance. We provide practical information and instruction on how to utilize psychosocial stress questionnaires, including the JCQ, ERI and the OSI. OSI distributed.

Faculty contributors: Karen Belkic, Peter Schnall

Readings:

Belkic K. Occupation-Specific versus General Self-Report Measures to Assess Psychosocial Workplace Exposures: Dilemmas and Potential Solutions to Bridge the Gap. Workshop on Psychosocial Work Environment Assessment Issues Conference on Occupational Assessment: June 12, 2001, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Cardiovascular evaluation of the work and workplace: A practical guide for clinicians. In: Schnall PL, Belkic K, Landsbergis PA, Baker D (eds.) Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Review. The Workplace and Cardiovascular Disease. 2000; 15 (1): 213-222.

Stressors at the Workplace: Theoretical Models. In: Schnall PL, Belkic K, Landsbergis PA, Baker D (eds.) Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Review. The Workplace and Cardiovascular Disease. 2000; 15 (1):87-98.