Individual-Level Psychosocial Factors and Work Disability Prevention

Abstract

Important factors to be carefully considered in work disability prevention and return-to-work are individual-level psychosocial factors, such as expectations about recovery, fears about pain and injury, distressed affect and the individual’s perception of a non-supportive environment. In this chapter, we first provide an overview of the current knowledge about the role of these psychosocial factors in work disability management and return-to-work, based on relevant systematic reviews. While the majority of systematic reviews pertained to musculoskeletal disorders, we also identified reviews and articles for mental health problems, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease (including stroke). In all, the most consistent evidence is for individual-level psychosocial factors reflecting recovery expectations and coping, both in musculoskeletal disorders other medical conditions. In the second part, we introduce theoretical models, e.g., theory of planned behavior and readiness for return-to-work, used in work disability prevention and return-to-work research and practice. Aspects of time, i.e., phase-specificity, and context should be taken into account when considering these models. By linking individual-level psychosocial factors to the theoretical models, we hope to help health care professionals and other stakeholders to understand the mechanisms behind the individual-level psychosocial factors related to work disability and return-to-work.