Psychosocial risks at work: integrative review and conceptual perspectives.

Abstract

This study presents an integrative review of the scientific literature on psychosocial risks in the workplace. Its aim is to critically examine existing definitions, identify conceptual convergences and divergences, and propose a more comprehensive and operational understanding of the phenomenon. A total of 24 empirical articles published between 2017 and 2021 were analyzed from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The analysis revealed significant conceptual variation, reflecting diverse theoretical and contextual perspectives. A frequent confusion was observed between the terms "psychosocial risks" (referring to negative health outcomes) and "psychosocial risk factors" (the specific conditions that lead to those outcomes), which complicates practical implementation. Thus, an integrative definition was developed, emphasizing the complex interaction among structural, organizational, social, and individual conditions as well as subjective and contextual elements. The study also proposes a practical approach to operationalize this definition, integrating validated quantitative tools (e.g., Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, Job Content Questionnaire, iWorkHealth) with qualitative methods such as interviews and focus groups. The importance of clearly distinguishing between psychosocial risks, risk factors, and protective factors is underscored to support more effective organizational interventions. This review offers a significant contribution to the conceptual and operational clarity surrounding psychosocial risks, laying a solid foundation for practical application and fostering improvements in occupational health and workplace well-being.