Work and organisational psychology: occupational health psychology
This research programme focuses on people within the context of work. How do they behave, how do they experience their work and work-related issues? To find answers to these questions, we develop process models and theories related to the following concepts:
- motivation
- performance
- well-being
Lines of research
Our research can be divided into two lines of research:
- Work and well-being
The central focus of this line of research is the well-being of working people, and the possible causes and consequences of this well-being. The topics we study include stress, addiction to work, burn out and drive. Where do these come from? And what are the consequences? We also focus on the relationship between work and personal life. - Motivation, performance and self-regulation at work
In this line of research we study task behaviour and performance as a function of motivation and self-regulation, among other things. This can concern, for example, the way in which people ensure that they are in an optimal work environment for them ('job crafting'), but can also concern the relationship between well-being at work, work performance and self-regulation.
The research focuses on problems such as burn-out and work addiction, as well as on the positive sides of these issues, such as engagement and motivation.
Application
We combine fundamental research with practical applications of the insights obtained from this research. Examples include training courses, interventions or research commissioned by third parties. We also develop instruments to measure relevant concepts, such as:
- the Utrecht Burn-Out Scale (UBOS)
- the Utrecht Inspiration Scale (Bevlogenheidsschaal, UBES)
These instruments are widely used in the professional field.
Partners
We also work together with a wide range of social organisations, such as TNO and Dutch occupational health & safety organisations.