Biopsychology in the Workplace

Module from SIOP

Biopsychology at Work• Biopsychology is a subfield of psychology that

emphasizes the integration of human biology and psychology (body and mind together).

• This means considering:– How the body functions physiologically and

neurologically– How our mind and body operate together in

sensation and perception, and responding to stimuli in the world around us

Why Relevant in the Workplace?• Workers are human beings and therefore also

biological organisms • We all have complex brains and central

nervous systems, which enable and complicate our day-to-day functioning: – Biologically we may be able to explain body

mechanisms that are associated with reward, pleasure, pain, memory, etc.

– Other psychological aspects also likely factor into how we react to stimuli in our environments

Practicing Biopsychology• Expertise in biopsychology requires specialized

training that most I-O psychologists do not have.– Most good I-O graduate programs do provide at least

one course in biological processes associated with human functioning (part of licensure preparation)

• It is also common to forge collaborations between I-O and neuropsychology or biology researchers when applying a biopsychological perspective to issues within work organizations

Example Topics• Some researchers/practitioners of I-O are

more likely than others to need familiarity with biopsychological factors and issues, including: – Work-related stress and its effects on physical and

psychological worker wellbeing– Worker emotions– Influence of work environment features on worker

functioning– Reward and motivation

Class Discussion• Do you find yourself more interested in

biology or psychology? Why?• What are the benefits of integrating a

biological and psychological perspective when examining human functioning within organizations?

• What types of applied psychology topics are likely to involve biological and psychological components?

Further Reading• Landsbergis, P. A., Schnall, P. L., Belkić, K. L., Baker,

D., Schwartz, J., & Pickering, T. G. (2001). Work stressors and cardiovascular disease. Work, 17(3), 191-208.

• Muraven, M., Tice, D. M., & Baumeister, R. F. (1998). Self-control as limited resource: regulatory depletion patterns. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(3), 774-89.

• Panksepp, J. (1998). Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions. New York: Oxford University Press.