Department of Psychology University of Stockholm Technology, Alienation and Mental Health. Summary of a Social Psychological Study of Technology and the Worker

Abstract

Two aspects of job content are shown to be of critical importance for the satisfaction of basic human needs at work. These are the degree of discretion given to the individual to determine pace and working methods and the possibility to use a variety of human resources in the performance of work. Workers whose jobs are severely circumscribed in these two respects are shown to react with strain and feelings of monotony and with different signs and symptoms of impaired mental health. Mechanisms of adaptation tend to be characterized by passivity, non-participation and withdrawal of human resources. They may or may not be combined with symptoms of ill-health but appear to come into conflict with values in the larger society related to active participation in democratic processes in working life. It is concluded that the problems of monotony and stress in industrial work call for an organization of work that widens the scope for self-determination, democratic participation and leadership and the exercise of occupational skill.