Stress and health in workplace: towards such scenarios. from Occupational medicine to medicine in workplace
Cesana, G.; Ferrario, M.M.
Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro Ed Ergonomia 31(2): 200-202
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1592-7830 PMID: 19827286 Document Number: 632394
A short review of main results obtained in occupational stress research is presented. Stress activates the sympato-adrenal system with possible dangerous consequences on the cardiovascular apparatus. In field studies the relation between stress and coronary diseases is controversial. However, from a clinical and experimental perspective the relation between breakdown in adaptation and cardiovascular disorder is a fact. More consistent results on the psychosocial determinants of an increased cardiovascular risk are obtained when stress is studied in relation to the socio-economic condition of groups and individuals. To better embrace and describe such factors, a new theoretical contribution has been introduced: social capital. This is a more sophisticated version of social cohesion, social integration and social support. For the future, an interdisciplinary approach is recommended in health surveillance of life and work environment.