A consensus method for updating psychosocial measures used in NIOSH health hazard evaluations

J Occup Environ Med. 2012 Mar;54(3):350-5. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e3182440a04.

Abstract

Objective: An expert panel was convened to select practical, valid psychosocial measures for use during National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health field investigations.

Methods: A taxonomy of psychosocial constructs was developed using existing taxonomies and criteria regarding the malleability, actionability, and validity of constructs. Panel members identified measures for each construct based on their expertise and experience. Measures were selected on the basis of the following criteria: practicality, brevity, validity, availability of existing data, and lack of confounds between psychosocial constructs and outcomes.

Results: The panel came to a consensus in recommending 24 measures representing 22 constructs.

Conclusions: It is important that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health regularly evaluates its methodologies to ensure it is in line with current best practices. The measures identified will be used modularly in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health fieldwork depending on the nature of the evaluation request, industry type, and worker population.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S.*
  • Organizational Culture
  • Stress, Psychological / classification*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • United States
  • Work / psychology*
  • Workload / psychology*