A debate on the professional identity of occupational therapists

Abstract

Introduction: The issue of occupational therapy's professional identity has been debated for many years and continues today. Lack of clarity has resulted in occupational therapists' perceptions of holding a low status and of colleague and public misunderstanding. Method: A range of international literature was reviewed. Inductive analysis elicited two major themes-reasons for issues with identity and the consequences of issues with identity. The development of communities of practice is discussed. Results: The analysis of the causes and consequences of issues with professional identity was used to suggest how the profession might become a mature community of practice. Lack of deep knowledge of the profession's unique beliefs was shown to cause inconsistent messages about its identity. Consequently, practitioners believed they were undervalued. Understanding, owning and reinforcing an occupational paradigm were seen as vital elements for creating professional communities of practice. Conclusion: To function as a community of practice requires occupational therapists to use a range of strategies that reinforce their unique occupation-based practice. Where all members commit to a single set of values and beliefs this can afford a unique identity, reinforced by the ability to demonstrate and articulate this through a clear, single message.

Factors associated with professional identity, job satisfaction and burnout for occupational therapists working in eating disorders: A mixed methods study

“…Professional identity refers to therapists’ perceptions about what it means to be and act as an occupational therapist (Edwards & Dirette, ; Turner & Knight, ). Occupational therapists with a strong sense of professional identity are more likely to report lower levels of burnout than those with a weaker sense of professional identity (Edwards & Dirette).…”

“…Occupational therapists with a strong sense of professional identity are more likely to report lower levels of burnout than those with a weaker sense of professional identity (Edwards & Dirette). However, occupational therapists often struggle to define and explain their role (Fortune, ; Mackey, ; Turner & Knight). Current service delivery models in mental health are typically based on multidisciplinary teamwork, meaning that occupational therapists will often work alongside colleagues with differing perspectives of recovery and wellness (Ashby et al ., ; Fortune, ).…”

“…Within such environments, occupational therapists may face pressures to adopt non‐occupation‐based approaches to practice due to the larger evidence bases of other professions (Ashby, Gray, Ryan & James, ; Hughes, ). Without a strong professional identity and occupation‐specific foundation for practice, occupational therapists can be over‐influenced by other professions, particularly where occupational therapy is in the minority (Turner & Knight).…”

Evaluation of the construct and internal validity of the Professional Identity Questionnaire: A Rasch analysis

“…Professional identity in occupational therapy has received a great deal of attention (Turner & Knight, 2015). Lack of respect or awareness of occupational therapy has been identified as a key stressor in a range of settings (Ashby, Ryan, Gray & James, 2013;Gupta, Paterson, Lysaght & von Zweck, 2012;Moore, Cruickshank & Haas, 2006;Murray, Turpin, Edwards & Jones, 2015).…”

Gender Differences and Professional Identities in Health and Engineering

“…According to Turner and Knight (2015), the professional identity not only involves how individuals perceive each other but also to how they are perceived by others and influenced by the interactions in the workspace. Moreover, professional identity need not remain constant, since identities can be reshaped through personal actions, changing the way the society perceives a given profession.…”