Date of this Version

12-1-2021

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The present study investigated perceived psychosocial distress in young to middle-aged workers with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in Miami, USA. Eight participants with work injuries were subjected to in-depth interviews to understand their psychosocial distress experiences. Phenomenological analysis was used to develop patterns, categories, and themes. Trustworthiness techniques were applied to ensure that data analysis was performed in an exhaustive method. Interview analysis revealed three themes: The materiality of work, development of psychosocial distress, and generating adaptive responses. Work injuries were reported to disrupt and challenge all aspects of the participants' lives, including work, home, family, and personally. When coupled with the significance of materiality of work, WMSDs potentially triggered psychosocial distresses and limited participation in daily activities at home and work. Participants with injuries encountered occupational challenges that created a press for mastery and initiated adaptive responses. Accordingly, successful adaptive responses reduced psychosocial distress and physical symptoms, promoted family stability, and facilitated expected roles and responsibilities to be performed by participants. Rehabilitation of occupational injuries education programs should emphasize the use of psychosocial interventions and the development of appropriate adaptive responses in conjunction with physical interventions while treating workers with WMSDs.

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