# Symbolic violence experienced by frontline healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

## TL;DR

This study explores how healthcare professionals in Rio de Janeiro experienced symbolic violence and stress during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a qualitative analysis of symbolic violence in healthcare during the pandemic using Bourdieu’s theoretical framework.

## Key findings

- Healthcare professionals faced fear, exhaustion, and symbolic violence during the pandemic.
- Developed skills to combat SARS-CoV-2, but mental and physical health were compromised.
- Improved working conditions and mental health support could have lessened the pandemic's impact.

## Abstract

to analyze how symbolic relationships established by healthcare professionals were expressed in their work during the pandemic.

This qualitative study was conducted through an online survey. Participants were healthcare professionals working in the state of Rio de Janeiro, recruited between 07/20 and 09/30/2020. Data were processed using IRaMuTeQ software and discussed in light of Bourdieu’s concepts.

healthcare professionals experienced feelings such as fear, exhaustion, devaluation, stress, and burnout. They developed skills to confront SARS-CoV-2 but suffered from symbolic violence, often imperceptible yet real.

the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of healthcare professionals could have been mitigated with mechanisms to protect physical and mental health, in addition to guaranteeing labor rights and working conditions.

analisar de que forma se expressaram relações simbólicas estabelecidas pelos profissionais de saúde no exercício laboral durante a pandemia.

estudo qualitativo, realizado por meio de um inquérito online. Os participantes foram profissionais de saúde atuantes no estado do Rio de Janeiro, recrutados entre 20/07-30/09/2020. Os dados foram processados pelo software IRaMuTeQ e discutidos à luz dos conceitos de Bourdieu.

os profissionais de saúde vivenciaram sentimentos como medo, cansaço, desvalorização, estresse e esgotamento. Desenvolveram habilidades para enfrentar o SARS-CoV-2, mas sofreram violência simbólica, muitas vezes imperceptível, porém real.

o impacto da COVID-19 na vida dos profissionais de saúde poderia ter sido amenizado com mecanismos de proteção à saúde física e mental, além da garantia dos direitos trabalhistas e condições de trabalho.