A Qualitative Study on Healthcare Workers’ Emotional and Psychological Experiences During Workplace Scandals

Authors

Mohamad Harith Hakimi Mohamad Hafizami

Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Science, Universiti Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia (Malaysia)

Muhammad Danish Jasni

Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Science, Universiti Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia (Malaysia)

Hamdan Mohd Salleh

Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Science, Universiti Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia (Malaysia)

Fariha Diyana Awang Ali

Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Science, Universiti Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia (Malaysia)

Siti Nur Fadilah Kassim

Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Science, Universiti Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia (Malaysia)

Nur Muneerah Kasim

Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Science, Universiti Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia (Malaysia)

Puteri Farahdiana Megat Suhaimi

Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Science, Universiti Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia (Malaysia)

Az Athirah Zubairi

Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Science, Universiti Selangor, Selangor (Malaysia)

Rashidin Idris

Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Science, Universiti Selangor, Selangor; Institute of Electoral Studies and Advancement of Democracy (IESAD), Universiti Selangor, Selangor; Faculty of Education, Open University Malaysia (Malaysia)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.1017PSY0026

Subject Category: Psychology

Volume/Issue: 10/17 | Page No: 389-395

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-04-22

Accepted: 2026-04-28

Published: 2026-05-19

Abstract

This qualitative study explores healthcare workers’ emotional and psychological experiences related to workplace scandal within healthcare settings. Workplace scandal is a common yet sensitive issue, particularly in high-pressure environments where employees spend long hours together and share emotionally demanding responsibilities. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 healthcare professionals (5 male and 5 female) to examine motivations, partner selection patterns, and the impact of such relationships on work performance and behaviour. Thematic analysis identified six major themes, including workplace proximity, emotional affirmation, romantic attachment, hierarchical influences, work-related consequences, and gender disparities after exposure. Findings reveal that male participants were more influenced by ego and recognition, while female participants were more driven by emotional support and understanding. The study also highlights that women tend to experience greater social and emotional consequences following exposure. These findings contribute to understanding gendered dynamics of workplace romance in healthcare contexts.

Keywords

workplace scandal, healthcare workers

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References

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