The Perceived Status of Occupational Therapy: Myth Versus Reality

Abstract

A survey of 136 Australian occupational therapists explored their perception of their autonomy and status, through questions concerning role definition; peer network and peer review; professional association and industrial affiliation; skills and procedures characteristic of the profession; views on others' perception of their role; credentials to practise; salary and years of practice. The authors conclude that the profession has a high opinion of its status and autonomy, a belief that it has a unique set of skills (though not aims), and adequate credentials to practise. They also suggest, however, that there is reason to question the extent to which this professional self‐image is well founded.

Occupational therapists as healthcare team members: A review of the literature

“…The extent to which others determine the role of the occupational therapist will influence their practice in the healthcare team. This contrasted with the findings of Graham and Timewell (1990) from a small sample of occupational therapists in Australia who felt that their roles were most frequently set by their own conception, and that only infrequently were they dictated to by a superior occupational therapist, other professionals or administrators. The extent to which therapists feel they are able to determine the nature of their own practice will affect their confidence and clarity about their role.…”

“…It may be expected that therapists with greater role confidence and clarity will be more comfortable in a team. Graham and Timewell (1990) concluded that there is a false consciousness among occupational therapists in relation to their perceived status within the healthcare system. They suggested that the external indicator of prestige, namely salary, did not reflect a profession with high status.…”

Deconstructing the concept of profession: A prerequisite to carving a niche in a changing world

“…Occupational therapists have searched for status based on the accumulation of 'ticks' against a notional check list of attributes and have assumed that the position of occupational therapy would change as a function of changes in attributes (Webster, 1986;Wallis, 1987a,b;West, 1989;Do Rozario & Ross, 1991). This has not been the case (Graham & Timewell, 1990).…”

“…In a study of the perceived status of occupational therapy among occupational therapists, Graham and Timewell (1990) found that respondents had a high opinion of the status and autonomy of the discipline. The researchers argued that this self image may not be well founded.…”

“…The low salary of occupational therapists suggests a low status occupation. In addition, the failure of clients and other practitioners to appreciate the benefits and goals of occupational therapy does not conform to the perception of occupational therapy as a high status profession (Graham & Timewell, 1990). Graham and Timewell conclude that, in light of the contradictions between the perceived status of occupational therapy among its members and objective status indicators, occupational therapists exhibit 'false consciousness'; that is, they have a false perception of the nature of their status and position in the health division of labour.…”