The assessment of work-related stress risk through the integration of objective and subjective measures: A contribution to the validation of the V.I.S. method

To date, the literature shows a widespread commitment in trying to clearly understand the relationship between "objective" and "subjective" indicators of stress, and the weight of these factors in the process of work-related stress risk assessment. In various applications some interesting correlations between objective measures and subjective dimensions of stressors and strain emerge. These correlations, however, are not always consistent with the assumptions, thus highlighting the need to strengthen the methods and the techniques on which the studies are based. In the perspective of an integrated approach –in line with the most credited European guidelines– the authors of this paper decided to develop a method for better assessing the "objective" dimensions. This procedure, called V.I.S. Method (Assessment through Stress Indicators) is based on a "multi-method" evaluation approach, articulated in several stages and easier to apply, as it does not involve all the workers in the first instance. In this study, the results of various surveys are discussed. These surveys were designed to assess the risk of work-related stress exposure, and point out the applicability and the advantages of integrated analyses. Research conducted by the authors and described in this contribution highlight on the empirical level relevant correlations –which need more applied confirmation– between subjective and objective indicators.