When the Body Speaks: Body-Mapping the Somatic Symptoms of Stress in Hospital Social Workers

Abstract

Impact of workplace stress is a significant issue for social workers in hospital practice. This study aims to understand somatic stress in hospital social workers, the physical embodiment of stress and recognition within employing organisations and education. Using a collaborative inquiry methodology, data were collected using body-mapping workshops. Following Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, three overarching themes were generated: experiences of somatisation, deliberate disembodiment, stress management and staff well-being. Social worker findings include the inhabiting of multiple bodies at work and the impact of the work environment on well-being. Harmful coping strategies and a lack of existing support and recognition were identified. Recommendations include an integration of somatic stress into the existing well-being scholarship to aid in acknowledgement and resourcing.