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The emotional sequelae of whistleblowing: findings from a qualitative study

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  • Kath Peters
  • Lauretta Luck
  • Marie Hutchinson
  • Lesley Wilkes
  • Sharon Andrew
  • Debra Jackson

Abstract

Aims and objectives. To highlight and illuminate the emotional sequelae of whistleblowing from whistleblowers and subjects of whistleblowing complaints. Background. Whistleblowing has the potential to have a negative impact on individuals’ physical and emotional well‐being. However, few empirical studies have been conducted using qualitative methods to provide an in‐depth exploration of the emotional consequences for those involved in whistleblowing incidents. Design. Qualitative narrative inquiry design. Method. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants who had been involved in whistleblowing incidents. During interviews participants’ accounts were digitally recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Data were then analysed by two researchers until consensus was reached. Results. Findings revealed that participants’ emotional health was considerably compromised as a result of the whistleblowing incident. Analysis of the data revealed the following dominant themes: ‘I felt sad and depressed’: overwhelming and persistent distress; ‘I was having panic attacks and hyperventilating’: acute anxiety; and, ‘I had all this playing on my mind’: nightmares, flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. Conclusions. While it has been previously acknowledged that whistleblowing has the potential to have a negative impact on all aspects of an individual’s life, this study notably highlights the intensity of emotional symptoms suffered by participants as well as the extended duration of time these symptoms were apparent. Relevance to clinical practice. As professionals, nurses, as well as organisations, have a responsibility to identify those who may be suffering the emotional trauma of whistleblowing and ensure they have access to appropriate resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Kath Peters & Lauretta Luck & Marie Hutchinson & Lesley Wilkes & Sharon Andrew & Debra Jackson, 2011. "The emotional sequelae of whistleblowing: findings from a qualitative study," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(19‐20), pages 2907-2914, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:20:y:2011:i:19-20:p:2907-2914
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03718.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Patricia Brown & Aled Jones & Jane Davies, 2020. "Shall I tell my mentor? Exploring the mentor‐student relationship and its impact on students' raising concerns on clinical placement," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(17-18), pages 3298-3310, September.
    2. Marilou Gagnon & Amélie Perron, 2020. "Whistleblowing: A concept analysis," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(2), pages 381-389, June.
    3. Logan L. Watts & M. Ronald Buckley, 2017. "A Dual-Processing Model of Moral Whistleblowing in Organizations," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 146(3), pages 669-683, December.
    4. Kate Kenny & Marianna Fotaki & Stacey Scriver, 2019. "Mental Heath as a Weapon: Whistleblower Retaliation and Normative Violence," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 160(3), pages 801-815, December.
    5. Aiyesha Dey & Jonas Heese & Gerardo Pérez‐Cavazos, 2021. "Cash‐for‐Information Whistleblower Programs: Effects on Whistleblowing and Consequences for Whistleblowers," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(5), pages 1689-1740, December.
    6. Otilia Manta, 2020. "The Role and Importance of the Integrity Public Advertiser in Professional Ethics," Scientia Moralitas Journal, Scientia Moralitas, Research Institute, vol. 5(1), pages 73-86, July.
    7. Valentine, Sean & Godkin, Lynn, 2019. "Moral intensity, ethical decision making, and whistleblowing intention," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 277-288.
    8. Heungsik Park & Brita Bjørkelo & John Blenkinsopp, 2020. "External Whistleblowers’ Experiences of Workplace Bullying by Superiors and Colleagues," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 161(3), pages 591-601, January.
    9. Kate Kenny & Marianna Fotaki, 2023. "The Costs and Labour of Whistleblowing: Bodily Vulnerability and Post-disclosure Survival," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 182(2), pages 341-364, January.

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