Resilience and Resistance in Professional Identity Making: Gleanings from the Classroom Experiences of Devout Christian Social Workers

Author(s):  
Jonel Thaller
Author(s):  
Elīna Akmane ◽  
Kristīne Mārtinsone ◽  
Zane Krieķe ◽  
Viktorija Perepjolkina ◽  
Agnese Drunka ◽  
...  

The aim of this research was to develop multiscale questionnaire of professional identity (PI) and to test its psychometric properties. This research was conducted in 3 phases. During the first phase a scoping review, a focus group discussion, and a rapid literature review were conducted to identify the criteria of PI. Survey items were constructed and assessed in the second phase. The data were collected, and the psychometric properties were examined in the third phase. The survey was completed by 239 psychological help providers in Latvia (psychiatrists (n = 13), nurses (n = 37), psychotherapists (n = 8), art therapists (n = 45), psychologists (n = 55), psychotherapy specialists (n = 28) and social workers (n = 53)) aged between 22 and 80 years (M = 45.8; SD = 10.6) of which 95% women (n = 227) and 5% men (n = 12). As a result, 8 factors structure was confirmed (k = 38). Overall, it can be concluded that the survey examines a unified phenomenon, and the items are internally consistent on all scales (α = .715 - .873). The development of this questionnaire is an important step towards the research of PI.   


2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 146-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyan Jiang ◽  
Yean Wang ◽  
Ernest Chui ◽  
Yuebin Xu

In order to address the ascending turnover rate among social workers in China, this article presents the idea, based on social identity theory, that professional identity is an important factor influencing turnover rate. Employing structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques, the study found that professional identity was negatively associated with social workers’ turnover intentions, and that social workers’ job satisfaction mediated the relationship between professional identity and their turnover intentions. The findings suggest that more work needs to be done on social work education and public image construction in China.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-63
Author(s):  
Dawn Apgar

Social work is a profession that has struggled with its identity as it distinguishes itself from allied disciplines in an effort to define its own unique purpose. The literature is void of studies that examine the degree to which undergraduate minors differ from majors in their social work identity. Analyses revealed that the identity of minors did not differ with regard to their knowledge, philosophy, and views about social workers’ roles and expertise. However, their attitude toward the profession was more pessimistic, with minors more negatively viewing the job opportunities available to social workers and the earning potential of social workers. Minors were also less likely than majors to recommend social work as a profession. Finally, minors were less prone to self-identify as social workers after graduation when compared with those majoring in the field.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document