Fundamentals of Strain Psychology

Preventing Burnout, Primary and Secondary Traumatisation in Psychologically Demanding Work

Presents a Comprehensive Guide to Preventing Mental Strain in High-Risk Professions

Work in healthcare, emergency response, or other high-risk professions requires resilience under constant emotional pressure. Fundamentals of Strain Psychology provides a clear and compassionate framework for understanding, managing, and preventing mental strain in these demanding roles. Drawing on bio-psycho-social and existential theories, Rikke Høgsted explores how individuals and organizations can recognize warning signs, develop protective strategies, and create sustainable mental health practices.

Structured in three parts—The Impacts, The Reactions, and The Strategies—the book offers both theoretical foundations and practical exercises that foster emotional balance and collective resilience. Høgsted’s Strain Square model introduces a new way to assess and manage psychological demands across teams. Bridging research and real-world application through evidence-based insights and field-tested intervention methods, this book:

• Integrates bio-psycho-social and existential approaches to understanding workplace strain and resilience
• Explores the psychological effects of primary and secondary exposure to trauma and crisis situations
• Offers practical exercises, case examples, and strategies for maintaining emotional balance and mental health
• Provides actionable guidance for organizations seeking to build supportive, resilient workplace cultures
• Examines the collective role of employees, leaders, and organizations in fostering long-term psychological resilience

Fundamentals of Strain Psychology is ideal for professionals in healthcare, emergency services, defense, social work, and related fields. It supports courses in psychology, occupational health, and organizational behavior, and serves as a critical professional reference for those managing mental strain in high-stress work environments.

Contributor: Agnes Ringer (Contributions by), Niel Greenberg (Foreword by)

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