Health, Work, and Family Strain - Psychosocial Experiences at the Early Stages of Long-Term Sickness Absence

Overview

Journal Front Psychol

Date 2021 Apr 19

PMID 33868075

Citations 4

Authors

Martin I Standal

Vegard S Foldal

Roger Hagen

Lene Aasdahl

Roar Johnsen

Egil A Fors

Marit Solbjor

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Knowledge about the psychosocial experiences of sick-listed workers in the first months of sick leave is sparse even though early interventions are recommended. The aim of this study was to explore psychosocial experiences of being on sick leave and thoughts about returning to work after 8-12 weeks of sickness absence.

Methods: Sixteen individuals at 9-13 weeks of sick leave participated in semi-structured individual interviews. Data was analyzed through Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological method.

Results: Three themes emerged: (1) energy depleted, (2) losing normal life, (3) searching for a solution. A combination of health, work, and family challenges contributed to being drained of energy, which affected both work- and non-work roles. Being on sick leave led to a loss of social arenas and their identity as a contributing member of society. Participants required assistance to find solutions toward returning to work.

Conclusion: Even in this early stage of long-term sick leave, sick listed workers faced complex challenges in multiple domains. Continuing sick leave was experienced as necessary but may challenge personal identity and social life. Those not finding solutions may benefit from additional early follow-up that examine work-related, social and personal factors that influence return to work.

Citing Articles

Getting an outsider's perspective - sick-listed workers' experiences with early follow-up sessions in the return to work process: a qualitative interview study.

Standal M, Foldal V, Aasdahl L, Fors E, Solbjor M BMC Health Serv Res. 2024; 24(1):609.

PMID: 38724997 PMC: 11080128. DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11007-x.

Effectiveness of 'motivational interviewing' on sick leave: a randomized controlled trial in a social insurance setting.

Aasdahl L, Standal M, Hagen R, Solbjor M, Bagoien G, Fossen H Scand J Work Environ Health. 2023; 49(7):477-486.

PMID: 37634251 PMC: 10834143. DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.4117.

Factor structure and measurement invariance of the psychosocial risk factors inventory of NOM-035-STPS-2018.

Cano-Gutierrez J, Perez-Moran J, Bernal-Baldenebro B, Arenas-Meneses D, Vazquez-Lira R, Olguin-Tiznado J Front Psychol. 2023; 13:1022707.

PMID: 36687828 PMC: 9845785. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1022707.

Predicting disability retirement among Abu Dhabi police using multiple measure of sickness absence.

Alkaabi F BMC Public Health. 2022; 22(1):1318.

PMID: 35810280 PMC: 9270810. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13713-9.

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