Cognitive Dynamics and Psychosocial Risks: Isolation and Feelings of Isolation at Work

This study attempts to describe an approach to occupational isolation from a psychosocial risk perspective. It also brings into question a number of methodological issues. In this paper, we distinguish between, on the one hand, the feeling of isolation that is apparent when an employee feels unable to find support to cope with difficult situations, and on the other hand, the feeling of loneliness when he is resigned to dealing with such a situation alone. In both cases, the word ?feeling? is used, a term which refers to an emotion that is experienced physically and is related to dissatisfaction in relations between a worker and his environment. We specify the way in which emotions play a regulatory role in individual and collective activity, in the same way that errors play a role in other theoretical frameworks. This paper includes a practical example, which is built around a request for an urban transport company. In conclusion, we considered a number of methodological problems that are specific to the study of occupational isolation. We also looked at the future interest in widening the issue of psychosocial risk factors to include psycho-ergonomic approaches.