WHEN WORK CREATES PSYCHOLOGICAL STRAIN

Strain psychology is about what happens to people when they are exposed to strain — and how we can understand and manage the reactions that may follow. This is particularly relevant in professions where one comes close to other people’s pain, suffering, and difficult life circumstances.

An important part of strain psychology focuses on how to prevent and respond to reactions that can arise after exposure to severe or potentially traumatic events — either directly, or through working with people who have themselves experienced something overwhelming.

RELEVANCE FOR ALL WORKPLACES

Strain psychology is particularly relevant within the psychosocial work environment for professionals working in mentally high-risk jobs. These are jobs where one encounters illness, accidents, threats, trauma, abuse, death, or other severe events — or where significant emotional demands are otherwise part of the work.

However, one does not need to work with life and death to be affected. All professionals who work with people — including, for example, in service professions or the financial sector — may experience emotional pressure in encounters with customers, citizens, or clients. Knowledge of strain psychology can therefore help people better understand and manage the reactions that may arise through their work. Depending on the character and intensity of the work, strain over time may lead to stress, burnout, or in more severe cases psychological reactions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, or harmful coping patterns. In some cases, this may constitute an occupational injury covered by Danish working environment legislation.

PREVENTION REQUIRES COMMUNITY

Strain psychology emphasises that no one should stand alone with the strain work may entail. It requires a shared effort — both collegial and organisational — and a workplace that integrates prevention as a natural part of everyday practice. A holistic and proactive approach is important — in planning, culture, and leadership alike.

THE THEORY BEHIND

Strain psychology was formally introduced in Denmark by psychologist and crisis expert Rikke Høgsted, who in 2018 published The Handbook of Strain Psychology – Prevention of Primary and Secondary Traumatic Stress in Psychologically Demanding Work. The book has sold more than 16,000 copies and is now widely used across many professional fields.