Professional Identity in Irish Certified Athletic Therapists

Abstract

Professional identity is an important construct that considers an individual’s own values, beliefs, attitudes, and motives surrounding their own role in their profession. No research has examined this concept in athletic training/therapy beyond the U.S. context. We examined professional identity in Irish certified athletic therapists (n = 81) using the Professional Identity and Values Scale. Participants presented with a total Professional Identity and Values Scale score of 92.0 ± 9.9. Age (r = .26, p = .02; r = .27, p = .02) and years of experience (r = .29, p = .01; r = .32, p = .0004) were positively correlated with total Professional Identity and Values Scale score and professional development subscale score, respectively. No gender differences were observed (p > .05). Despite being a new emerging profession, Irish athletic therapists presented with a strong professional identity.