Psychosocial correlates of RSI reporting

This paper presents the results of a comparative study into psychosocial factors and report of Repetition Strain Injury (Occupational Overuse Syndrome). Statistically significant differences between an RSI and non-RSI group were detected on specific job, ergonomic, and personality items although no significant differences were found on indexes of minor and serious illnesses. The authors argue that psychosocial factors contribute to an understanding of the RSI phenomenon, which they conceptualise as a pain-patient phenomenon. The authors are therefore critical of the conventional biomechanical interpretation of RSI, and question its validity with respect to preventive strategies.