Elaine L Kinsella1, Samantha Hughes2, Sarah Lemon2, Natasha Stonebridge2, Rachel C Sumner2. 1. Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, RISE (Research on Influence, Social networks & Ethics) lab, and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. 2. Department of Psychological Sciences, HERA Lab, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, United Kingdom.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Frontline workers have shown extraordinary resilience and sustained efforts since the outbreak of COVID-19. The present study used semi-structured interviews with 38 frontline workers in the UK and Ireland to explore the psychological impact of working through COVID-19. DESIGN: The qualitative data were analysed systematically using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were interpreted: 1)) "I've stopped turning the telly on. I've had to because the news was making me ill": An ecosystem of influence; 2) "Dead, dead, dead": The emotional and psychological toll: 3) "It's shone a light on what we're failing on as well": Injustices, hierarchies and heroes: and 4) "I definitely think COVID happened for a reason to stop us in our tracks and to slow us down": Unexpected positives. CONCLUSION: This research offers insights into how frontline workers make sense of their experiences during periods of enormous societal and occupational stress. The learnings generated have relevance for government and organisational policy-makers who have opportunities to shape future conditions for frontline workers.
OBJECTIVE: Frontline workers have shown extraordinary resilience and sustained efforts since the outbreak of COVID-19. The present study used semi-structured interviews with 38 frontline workers in the UK and Ireland to explore the psychological impact of working through COVID-19. DESIGN: The qualitative data were analysed systematically using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were interpreted: 1)) "I've stopped turning the telly on. I've had to because the news was making me ill": An ecosystem of influence; 2) "Dead, dead, dead": The emotional and psychological toll: 3) "It's shone a light on what we're failing on as well": Injustices, hierarchies and heroes: and 4) "I definitely think COVID happened for a reason to stop us in our tracks and to slow us down": Unexpected positives. CONCLUSION: This research offers insights into how frontline workers make sense of their experiences during periods of enormous societal and occupational stress. The learnings generated have relevance for government and organisational policy-makers who have opportunities to shape future conditions for frontline workers.
Authors: Laura L Gleeson; Aoife Ludlow; Emma Wallace; Rob Argent; Claire Collins; Barbara Clyne; Lisa Mellon; James W Barlow; Benedict Ryan; Aoife De Brún; Alice Holton; Muriel Pate; Ciara Kirke; Michelle Flood; Frank Moriarty Journal: Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm Date: 2022-06-09
Authors: Laura L Gleeson; Aoife Ludlow; Barbara Clyne; Ben Ryan; Rob Argent; James Barlow; Lisa Mellon; Aoife De Brún; Muriel Pate; Ciara Kirke; Frank Moriarty; Michelle Flood Journal: Explor Res Clin Soc Pharm Date: 2022-10-13