ICT, permeability between the spheres of life and psychological distress among lawyers

Abstract

The pervasiveness of information and communications technologies (ICT) has changed the nature of work in recent decades. Positive and negative impacts of ICT have been identified in every profession, including among lawyers. This paper examines the impact of ICT on the working conditions, stress and psychological distress experienced by lawyers, based on a qualitative study. Twenty-two (22) interviews were conducted with the aim of gaining a deep understanding of this issue. A thematic content analysis of the interviews revealed that factors related to ICT appear to contribute to the overall stress (technostress and other stress) experienced by lawyers, in turn leading to psychological distress. Moreover, the growing permeability between the different spheres of life caused by ICT and their particular characteristics has increased the workload of lawyers and accelerated their pace of work. Participants also identified frequent technological problems, as well as clients' misinformation on the Internet, as risk factors.