The shaping of professional identity and education of occupational therapist students in Denmark – a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Few studies are available regarding occupational therapist students’ experiences relating to their professional identity during their education. Aim The aim was to gain knowledge about the process that occupational therapist students undergo in the shaping of their professional identity. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants divided into two phases: a phenomenological phase, followed up by a hermeneutical phase. The data was analysed with the use of thematic analysis. Results Three themes emerged: study environment, responsibility, and choice of internships. As a part of the first theme study environments, the relations among the students were important for the shaping of a professional identity. Conclusion The occupational therapy students undergo an increasing sense of responsibility throughout the education programme. Particularly, the clinical practice was found to have a positive impact on the shaping of professional identity. Important findings The findings in the study can contribute to clarifying students’ perspectives on the shaping of their professional identity. Based on these findings the occupational therapist education programmes could integrate these elements as a part of their curriculum.