Exacerbated vulnerability in existential changes: the essence of dealing with reduced working capacity

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore people’s experience of reduced working capacity and their encounters with professionals in that life situation. We collected data through in-depth interviews with eight individuals. The main finding of the current research is how illness and accident impairing work capacity exacerbate vulnerability during the recovery process as people experienced uncertainty, depression, anxiety, social isolation, fear and stress. We conclude that counseling and support from respectful, professional, caring and human professionals is extremely valuable in such a context.