Thesis:

Title : Analyzing the life experience of the kiln workers and its role in mental health and job resiliency

Examining the Lived Experience of Furnace Workers and Its Role in Mental Health and Occupational Resilience Objective: The aim of the present study is to identify and analyze the lived experiences of workers employed in brick kilns, to investigate the mental health consequences of harsh environmental conditions, and to identify occupational resilience strategies in this group of individuals. Research Method: This study was conducted with a qualitative approach using the phenomenological method. The statistical population of the study comprised workers employed in brick kilns in the Esfarayen County, from which 10 individuals were ultimately selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was carried out through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and data analysis was performed using thematic analysis based on the Braun and Clarke model. To ensure the validity and reliability of the findings, participant review (member checking) and expert supervision were employed. Findings: The extraction of main themes revealed that the lived experience of brick kiln workers is a combination of "severe physical hardships" and "acceptance of fate." Workers' mental health is severely affected by environmental factors (heat and extreme fatigue) and economic stress. Mental health consequences were identified at three levels: physical (sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, and irritability), social (family tensions and breakdown of communication), and occupational (decreased concentration, increased operational errors, and burnout). However, occupational resilience in this group is formed through three mechanisms: "meaning-making of suffering (especially for family)," "social support and solidarity with colleagues," and "experiential hardening against the environment." Furthermore, strategies for enhancing work morale were mainly based on support-group axes and psychological separation from the workplace. The findings also indicated that resilience among these workers often takes the form of "forced resilience," which arises from necessity and lack of alternatives rather than conscious choice and intrinsic capability. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that although the brick kiln environment imposes significant psychological damage on workers due to thermal and economic pressures, internal resources (such as meaning-making and religious beliefs) and external resources (such as support from colleagues and family) play a protective role and lead to the formation of occupational resilience. However, the "forced resilience" identified in this study can, in the long term, lead to emotional burnout and the deterioration of mental health. Finally, it is suggested that in order to improve the mental health of this group, in addition to infrastructural and welfare reforms (increasing wages, reducing working hours, improving physical facilities), psychological interventions based on strengthening resilience and social support in the workplace should be implemented. Furthermore, establishing informal support networks, providing counseling services to workers and their families, and teaching stress management skills are among the essential measures in this area.

Keywords: Lived experiences, mental health, occupational resilience, brick kiln, thematic analysis.