The article by Kompier and van der Beek (2008) explores the relationship between psychosocial factors at work and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Traditionally, research on occupational stress and work-related MSDs have been conducted in separate fields, with stress researchers focusing on role stressors and MSD researchers on physical workload factors. However, recent studies have shown that psychosocial factors, such as job demands, variety, autonomy, and social support, can significantly influence MSDs. The authors define "psychosocial factors" as work factors related to job content, including functional and social contacts. A well-designed psychosocial work environment is characterized by high but not overly demanding levels of these factors. Poor physical work conditions, such as poor workspace design, can also contribute to MSDs by causing both physical and psychological stress, leading to discomfort, fatigue, and impaired performance. The article highlights the importance of integrating research on stress and MSDs, noting that individual factors also play a role. It discusses several research questions and problems that bridge the gap between these fields, such as identifying risk factors, understanding the societal impact, and developing interventions. The authors emphasize the need for empirical research to test hypotheses about the causal pathways between exposure to work characteristics and health outcomes, involving both physical and psychophysiological parameters. Two studies are presented in this issue of the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health. One study tests the "Cinderella model," which suggests that stress leads to sustained activation of low-threshold motor units, resulting in musculoskeletal pain. Another study uses biological markers to assess the association between work stressors and musculoskeletal pain. Both studies underscore the value of interdisciplinary research in understanding the complex relationship between work stress and MSDs.The article by Kompier and van der Beek (2008) explores the relationship between psychosocial factors at work and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Traditionally, research on occupational stress and work-related MSDs have been conducted in separate fields, with stress researchers focusing on role stressors and MSD researchers on physical workload factors. However, recent studies have shown that psychosocial factors, such as job demands, variety, autonomy, and social support, can significantly influence MSDs. The authors define "psychosocial factors" as work factors related to job content, including functional and social contacts. A well-designed psychosocial work environment is characterized by high but not overly demanding levels of these factors. Poor physical work conditions, such as poor workspace design, can also contribute to MSDs by causing both physical and psychological stress, leading to discomfort, fatigue, and impaired performance. The article highlights the importance of integrating research on stress and MSDs, noting that individual factors also play a role. It discusses several research questions and problems that bridge the gap between these fields, such as identifying risk factors, understanding the societal impact, and developing interventions. The authors emphasize the need for empirical research to test hypotheses about the causal pathways between exposure to work characteristics and health outcomes, involving both physical and psychophysiological parameters. Two studies are presented in this issue of the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health. One study tests the "Cinderella model," which suggests that stress leads to sustained activation of low-threshold motor units, resulting in musculoskeletal pain. Another study uses biological markers to assess the association between work stressors and musculoskeletal pain. Both studies underscore the value of interdisciplinary research in understanding the complex relationship between work stress and MSDs.