Workplace Psychological Distress: A Concept Analysis

Abstract

Background: Workplace psychological distress (WPD) significantly impacts employees’ mental and physical well-being. However, WPD has not been well-defined in the literature as a concept. This concept analysis aims to clarify the concept of WPD and promote the use of the term in occupational health nursing research. Methods: Strategies introduced by Walker and Avant’s conceptual analysis method will be utilized to conceptualize WPD and its impact on employees. A literature search was conducted using Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Business Source Complete, and APA PsycArticles. The keyword search included the terms “workplace” AND “employee” AND “psychological distress.” Results: Antecedents of WPD are an increase in job demands, lack of control, low support, and workplace bullying. Defining attributes for WPD are extreme fatigue, role conflict, and time pressures. Consequences of WPD were identified as mental disorders, physical disorders, and loss in productivity. This concept was further illustrated using a model, borderline, and contrary case. Discussion/Conclusion: Identifying signs of WPD is of great importance in caring for employees in the workplace. Occupational health nurses can use information obtained from a workplace assessment to develop policies, implement well-being programs, and provide employee referrals.

Reflections from the frontline of nursing on acute patient deterioration

“…In the current study, nurses who care for deteriorating patients can experience significant and persistent emotional, moral and psychological distress. Combined with a strong sense of professional responsibility for their patients, these nurses are at increased risk for workplace psychological distress (Mopkins, 2022).…”

“…The term ‘workplace psychological distress’ has been used recently to describe the mental and physical well‐being of employees after being exposed to a stressful work environment and is typically characterised by increased negative emotional states such as perceived stress, anxiety or depression (Viertiö et al, 2021; Vogazianos et al, 2019) and exhaustion (Mopkins, 2022). Employee experiences of workplace psychological distress places a burden on employees and the employing organisations.…”

The impact of organizational justice on psychological distress among Chinese public hospitals nurses: A cross-sectional study

“…[1] Workplace psychological distress significantly affects employees' mental and physical well-being. [2] Psychological distress is detrimental to nurses' health and is even worse in developing countries, [3,4] especially during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic. [5,6] Multiple factors are associated with psychological distress among nurses, such as workload stressors, fear of COVID-19, low job satisfaction, exposure to bullying, and sleep disturbance.…”

Workplace Mental Health in Schools

“…In a recent article published in this journal, Mopkins clarifies the concept of Workplace Psychological Distress (WPD) and promotes the use of the term in occupational health nursing research (Mopkins, 2022). She identified the consequences of WPD such as mental disorders, physical disorders, and loss in productivity.…”

“…Considerable attention to addressing the concerns of the vulnerable groups could improve their well-being during and after this pandemic (Corpuz, 2022). As highlighted by Mopkins (2022), identifying signs of WPD is of great importance in caring for employees in the workplace. There are some glimmers of hope as we move forward from this pandemic.…”