A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY IN IMPROVING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/eijmhs.v3i4.237Keywords:
Occupational psychology, Healthcare well-being, Burnout prevention, Stress management, , Emotional intelligenceAbstract
Occupational psychology significantly contributes to enhancing the health and well-being of healthcare professionals, who often face high-stress environments and emotional exhaustion. This critical review examines the role of occupational psychology in healthcare settings, focusing on its impact on burnout prevention, stress management, job satisfaction, team dynamics, and emotional resilience. Key areas include fostering positive workplace culture, improving team communication, and addressing compassion fatigue through emotional intelligence training. Despite the proven benefits, challenges such as resistance to change, resource constraints, and the stigma surrounding mental health hinder the effective implementation of occupational psychology interventions. To optimize its application, recommendations include leadership support, integrating well-being principles into organizational policies, and offering tailored psychological support programs. By addressing these factors, healthcare organizations can create a more supportive work environment, ultimately enhancing both employee well-being and patient care quality. This review underscores the importance of a holistic approach to occupational health psychology, highlighting its potential to reduce stress, improve job satisfaction, and ensure the sustainability of healthcare systems.
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