title: Emotional dissonance in medical social work practice.
abstract: This qualitative study examined several ecological aspects of medical social work practice that affect social workers' emotional well-being. Forty-seven medical social workers from seven hospitals participated in small group interviews in which practice experiences were explored. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data, with emotional dissonance emerging as a central theme. Community, family, and individual factors contributing to emotional dissonance are presented, and the effect of social support is examined.
authors.affiliation: College of Social Work, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0124, USA. KNCW@aol.com
authors.forename: Keith R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Joseph R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Merighi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms; D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D003073:Cognitive Dissonance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D012947:Social Work; D012948:Social Work Department, Hospital; D000078329:Workforce