Developing A Grounded Theory Approach To Stress Management In Forensic Medicine Organizations

Abstract

Background: Work-related stress is defined as the detrimental reaction individuals experience in response to excessive pressures and demands arising from their job responsibilities. Occupational stress is an adaptive response to external circumstances that may result in physical, psychological, or behavioral irregularities among the organization's members.

Objectives: Given the unique work environment of forensic medicine organizations, this study aims to establish a stress management model tailored to the specific needs of such institutions.

Methods: This research is rooted in exploratory studies with a fundamental approach. Due to the qualitative nature of this study, a grounded theory strategy was employed. A total of 12 senior managers and experts from the forensic organization, possessing management and scientific records related to value creation, were chosen as participants. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using MAXQDA (version 10), with immediate coding and analysis conducted for each interview.

Results: The research findings were categorized into six main causal categories: background, intervention, context, strategies, and consequences. These categories formed the basis for explaining the stress management model in forensic medicine. In this model, forensic medicine, and the services offered by its units, are considered unique businesses dealing with service provision under exceptional circumstances. The services provided in this context result from a two-way communication process between the forensic staff and the service recipients.

Conclusions: The findings indicate that, as a general guideline, managers within forensic organizations should place a high priority on implementing organizational changes aimed at enhancing working conditions in their operations to effectively manage occupational stress