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:: Volume 36, Issue 3 (Fall 2026) ::
MEDICAL SCIENCES 2026, 36(3): 357-372 Back to browse issues page
A phenomenological exploration of the contexts, dimensions, and consequences of emotional labor among nurses
Ebrahim Fooladi1 , Alborz Gheitani *2 , Reza Ebrahimzadeh3 , Mehrdad Sadeghi3
1- PhD Student in Public Management, Department of management, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2- Assistant Professor, Department of management, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran , a.gheitani@iau.ac.ir
3- Assistant Professor, Department of management, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract:   (266 Views)
Background: Emotional labor performed by nurses serves as a cornerstone of healthcare, playing a vital role in the patient recovery process. This study was conducted to gain a profound understanding of the contextual factors, consequences, and dimensions of the phenomenon of emotional labor among nurses working in hospitals in Shahrekord, Iran.
Materials and methods: This descriptive phenomenological study followed Colaizzi's method. Fourteen nurses from Shahrekord Hospitals were recruited via purposeful sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were gathered through 30-45 minute semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step process. Trustworthiness was ensured using Guba and Lincoln's criteria (1989), including credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability.
Results: The analysis and coding of the data led to the identification of concepts across three dimensions, including the contextual factors precipitating nurses' emotional labor (43 initial concepts, 7 sub-themes, 3 main themes), the manifestations of nurses' emotional labor (86 initial concepts, 17 sub-themes, 7 main themes), and the consequences of nurses' emotional labor (32 initial concepts, 4 sub-themes, 2 main themes).
Conclusion: Emotional labor in nursing stems from occupational pressures, organizational expectations, and emotional interactions. In the absence of adequate support, it can lead to job burnout, reduced job satisfaction, and diminished quality of care. However, with proper management, it can foster improved professional relationships and a positive experience for both the nurse and the patient.
 
Keywords: Emotional labor, Empathy, Respect, Resilience
Full-Text [PDF 984 kb]   (99 Downloads)    
Semi-pilot: Qualitative | Subject: Nursing
Received: 2025/10/21 | Accepted: 2026/01/11 | Published: 2026/09/1
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Fooladi E, Gheitani A, Ebrahimzadeh R, Sadeghi M. A phenomenological exploration of the contexts, dimensions, and consequences of emotional labor among nurses. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2026; 36 (3) :357-372
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Volume 36, Issue 3 (Fall 2026) Back to browse issues page
فصلنامه علوم پزشکی دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد پزشکی تهران Medical Science Journal of Islamic Azad Univesity - Tehran Medical Branch
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