Psychosocial Factors and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Summary
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) arise from a complex interplay between physical loads and psychosocial influences in the workplace. Psychosocial factors encompass job demands, decision latitude, social support, job insecurity and organisational climate, each of which can heighten the risk of pain, injury and long-term disability. Emerging evidence indicates that a poor psychosocial safety climate—reflecting weak organisational commitment to psychological health—can lead to increased stress responses, depressive symptoms and muscle tension, thereby exacerbating biomechanical strain. Conversely, higher job control and supportive supervision appear protective by enabling workers to adjust tasks, pace and posture. At a global level, MSDs account for substantial lost working days and economic burden, prompting calls for holistic risk management that integrates both ergonomic and psychosocial controls. Preventative strategies now emphasise early identification of high-risk work environments, worker participation in risk assessment and interventions to enhance autonomy, reduce harassment and bolster collegial support.
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Psychosocial Factors and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in psychosocial factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): Injuries or pain affecting muscles, tendons, nerves and supporting structures, typically in the back, neck, shoulders and limbs.
Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC): The shared perception of organisational policies and practices prioritising psychological health and preventing work-related stress.
Job Demands: The psychological, emotional and physical requirements of a role, including workload, time pressure and cognitive effort.
Decision Latitude (Job Control): The degree to which workers can influence their tasks, methods and pace, thereby shaping their work experience.
Social Support: Assistance and encouragement provided by colleagues and supervisors, which can buffer the effects of stress and reduce injury risk.
References
- Work-related psychosocial and physical paths to future musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Safety Science (2023).
- Influence of Job Insecurity on Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Mediation Model with Nursing Aides. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023).
- Psychosocial areas of worklife and chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2019).
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