Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2025
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
23.7K
Qualitative Examination of the Experience of Perceived Injustice Following Disabling Occupational Injury
Heather Adams1, Judy E MacDonald1, Ana Nightingale Castillo2
1School of Social Work, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
|November 23, 2023
Summary
Workers experiencing injustice after injury often feel invalidated, suffer undeservedly, or are blamed. Interventions targeting these factors may improve recovery outcomes for occupational injuries.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychology of Injury
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Perceptions of injustice can significantly impact recovery following occupational injury.
- Understanding the factors contributing to perceived injustice is crucial for developing effective support strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore individuals' perspectives on factors contributing to perceived injustice after occupational injury.
- To identify specific situations or events that elicit feelings of injustice post-injury.
Main Methods:
- Thematic analysis of interviews with 30 participants who filed time-loss claims for work-related musculoskeletal injuries.
- Focus on participants with elevated scores on perceived injustice measures.
Main Results:
- Three dominant themes emerged: Invalidation, Undeserved suffering, and Blame.
- Subthemes detailed specific dimensions of post-injury experiences contributing to injustice.
Conclusions:
- Suffering and invalidating communication are modifiable factors influencing perceptions of injustice.
- Intervention approaches targeting these factors show promise for improving recovery outcomes in injured workers.
