Professional Self-perception Research Articles

When the crisis comes home: Emotions, professionalism, and reporting on 22 March in Belgian journalists’ narratives

On the morning of 22 March 2016, three coordinated suicide bombings planned by Daesh occurred in Brussels. Those Belgian reporters who commonly travel to conflict zones and disaster sites had to report on a ‘combat zone event’ that was happening at the place where they, their families, and friends lived. Their subjective experience of witnesses, actors, and even indirect victims merged with their professional tasks. The traditional journalistic commitment to objectivity – that is, detachment, impartiality, fairness, or professional distance – that remains to be a cornerstone of journalists’ professional self-perception and an assumed source of their authority, was challenged. The article seeks to explore the aftermath of the unprecedentedly close terrorist attacks among Belgian journalists. Based on in-depth, narrative interviews with 10 Belgian ‘crisis reporters’, the article addresses the following questions: In which sense did the reporters experience the attacks as different from other crises? How did they deal with the unusually complex relationship between their personal and professional identities? What form(s) of objectivity did they employ and (how) did their work on emotional boundaries interfere with such a norm? The findings show that the radical, ‘surreal’ alteration of the reporters’ lifeworld resulted in a fundamental conflict between personal and professional identities. In turn, their rupture but inseparability helped to shape the objectivity-as-a-practice employed by the journalists on and after 22 March.

What do faculty feel about teaching in this school? assessment of medical education environment by teachers

Faculty members are major stakeholders in curriculum delivery, and positive student learning outcomes can only be expected in an educational environment (EE) conducive to learning. EE experienced by teachers includes all conditions affecting teaching and learning activities. As the EE of teachers indirectly influences the EE of students, assessment of teachers' perceptions of EE can highlight issues affecting student learning. These perceptions can also serve as a valuable tool for identifying faculty development needs. In this study, we have used the Assessment of Medical Education Environment by Teachers (AMEET) inventory as a tool to assess medical teachers' perceptions of the EE. The AMEET inventory was used to assess perceptions regarding various domains of EE by teachers teaching undergraduate students at the College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Median total, domain, and individual statement scores were compared between groups using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Teaching-learning activities, learning atmosphere, collaborative atmosphere, and professional self-perceptions were identified as strengths of the EE while time allocated for various teaching-learning activities, preparedness of students, levels of student stress, learning atmosphere in hospital, and support system for stressed faculty members were areas necessitating improvement. The scores of faculty members teaching in basic medical sciences were found to be significantly higher than those in clinical sciences. The EE of this medical college was generally perceived as being positive by faculty although a few areas of concern were highlighted. Strengths and weaknesses of the EE from the teachers' point of view provide important feedback to curriculum planners, which can be used to improve the working environment of the faculty as well as facilitate a better direction and focus to faculty development programs being planned for the future.

Communicating science in English: a preliminary exploration into the professional self-perceptions of Australian scientists from language backgrounds other than English

Scientists for whom English is not their first language report disadvantages with academic communication internationally. This case study explores preliminary evidence from non-Anglophone scientists in an Australian research organisation, where English is the first language. While the authors identified similarities with previous research, they found that scientists from non-Anglophone language backgrounds are limited by more than their level of linguistic proficiency in English. Academic science communication may be underpinned by perceptions of identity that are defined by the Anglocentric hegemony in science, which dictates not only how academic science is communicated but also who can communicate it.

The Human Rights and Social Justice Scholars Program: A Collaborative Model for Preclinical Training in Social Medicine

BackgroundDespite the importance of the role social justice takes in medical professionalism, the need to train health professionals to address social determinants of health, and medical trainees' desire to eliminate health disparities, undergraduate medical education offers few opportunities for comprehensive training in social justice. The Human Rights and Social Justice (HRSJ) Scholars Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is a preclinical training program in social medicine consisting of 5 components: a didactic course, faculty and student mentorship, research projects in social justice, longitudinal policy and advocacy service projects, and a career seminar series. ObjectivesThe aim of this article is to describe the design and implementation of the HRSJ curriculum with a focus on the cornerstone of the HRSJ Scholars Program: longitudinal policy and advocacy service projects implemented in collaboration with partner organizations in East Harlem. Furthermore, we describe the results of a qualitative survey of inaugural participants, now third-year medical students, to understand how their participation in this service-learning component affected their clinical experiences and professional self-perceptions. ConclusionUltimately, through the implementation and evaluation of the HRSJ Scholars Program, we demonstrate an innovative model for social justice education; the enduring effect of service-learning experiences on participants' knowledge, skills, and attitudes; and the potential to increase community capacity for improved health through a collaborative educational model.

Education of Children Gifted in Music: Experience of Teachers of Vilnius Choir Singing School “Liepaitės”

Objective of this survey is to detect experience of teachers working with children gifted in music. 8 teachers from Vilnius choir singing school “Liepaitės” have participated in this survey. Teachers representing different education stages and subjects were selected to identify overall picture of experience in education of children gifted in music. Semi-structured interview was employed to reveal in-depth experience from teacher‘s position, understand his position, feelings, how he works with children gifted in music. Thematic analysis method was employed for data analysis. Thee most significant themes were emphasized in interview data analysis: identification of children gifted in music, meeting demands for musical expression of children with different musical abilities and professional self-perception of the music teachers. Analysis of Lithuanian education instruments disclosed that children gifted in music have special needs and adequate education is necessary to meet them. Children gifted in music are educated in music schools. Music education in these schools is increasingly oriented towards meeting demands of the students for musical expression, purposeful extracurricular activities of students. Students with very different level of musical abilities are educated in music schools. One of the most critical challenges in this context is the issue of organizing education, identifying those who are mostly gifted in music and facilitating successful development of their musical abilities and on the other hand ensuring high quality music education for children with lower musical abilities. Results of the survey indicate that in identifying children gifted in music and establishing level of their musical abilities teachers build on their experience and assume the role of an expert, however they consider this a very complicated matter. Analysis of teachers’ experience indicate that collective musical activity (choir) is a very efficient tool to meet demands for musical expression of students with different musical abilities. Most students feel urged for achieving high learning results. Concert activities, continuous school traditions, consistency of education, continuity and succession, individual approach towards every student are elements which contribute most to the students’ motivation for learning. Results of the survey revealed that teachers feel satisfaction with their profession, employment position and it contributes to the possibility of being a member of powerful school community and team of professional teachers. Teachers analyse, perceive arising problems. They are concerned about the fact that some parents of the students regard musical education of the children as entertainment and not a systematic, responsible learning. Outdated programs, repertoire are indicated as a weakness. Teachers reflect on their activity and feel the demand for adaptation and changes in the context of dynamics of modern education.

Berufliches Selbstverständnis, Ressourcen, Belastungen und berufliche Zufriedenheit von Psychologen in rehabilitativen Einrichtungen

Psychologists from rehabilitation centres were surveyed about their current job situation. Following areas were included: (a) professional self-perception, (b) occupational resources and stress, (c) job satisfaction. A nationwide survey of psychologists of all rehabilitation centres in Germany was conducted. Overall, 1,461 rehabilitation centres of all specialties were contacted in writing, of which 623 psychologists participated in the survey. Some of the results can be compared with reference data from previous surveys. The professional self-perception has hardly changed over the last 10 years. Counselling and psychotherapy in one-to-one sessions and group interventions still play an essential role. Overall, job satisfaction and resources are high. General job satisfaction can be best predicted by career opportunities and opportunities for qualification. The results of the study indicate which resources should be strengthened in order to enhance job satisfaction of psychologists in medical rehabilitation. Particular thought should be given to improving career opportunities for psychologists in rehabilitation centres.

Factors Influencing communication between the patients with cancer and their nurses in oncology wards

Aims:The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the factors influencing nurse-patient communication in cancer care in Iran.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted with a qualitative conventional content analysis approach in oncology wards of hospitals in Tabriz. Data was collected through purposive sampling by semi-structured deep interviews with nine patients, three family members and five nurses and analyzed simultaneously. Robustness of data analysis was evaluated by the participants and external control.Results:The main theme of the research emerged as “three-factor effects” that demonstrates all the factors related to the patient, nurse, and the organization and includes three categories of “Patient as the center of communication”, “Nurse as a human factor”, and “Organizational structures”. The first category consists of two sub-categories of “Imposed changes by the disease” and the “patient's particular characteristics”. The second category includes sub-categories of “sense of vulnerability” and “perception of professional self: Pre-requisite of patient-centered communication”. The third category consists of the sub-categories of “workload and time imbalance”, “lack of supervision”, and “impose duties in context of neglecting nurse and patient needs”. Characteristics of the patients, nurses, and care environment seemed to be the influential factors on the communication.Conclusions:In order to communicate with cancer patients effectively, changes in philosophy and culture of the care environment are essential. Nurses must receive proper trainings which meet their needs and which focus on holistic and patient-centered approach.

Brothers in arms? Portuguese and Brazilian journalistic worlds compared

This study aims to gauge if there is a ‘de-territorialized’ Portuguese speaking journalistic community or whether diverse professional self-perceptions prevail amongst Portuguese and Brazilian counterparts. Based upon an extensive and manifold comparative analysis of 200 questionnaires – comprising the ‘journalism cultures’, their trust on social institutions’ and the ‘perceived influences on news work’ - it contrasts the cultural proximity of both countries, alongside a degree of globalization, with their rather dissimilar respective political and media contexts. It concludes that notwithstanding the expected psychological proximity and some signs of convergence between the two countries, the comparative evidence displays considerable differences which are the result of their respective institutional, social and cultural embedding. Thus, those partially different professional cultures prevent the existence of a translocal Portuguese speaking journalistic culture and corroborate the importance the contextual conditions

Trotz allem zufrieden mit der Lehre. Subjektive Lage und Haltung der Lehrenden an Universitäten

University teachers complain that teaching tasks occupy an ever-increasing share of their working time, which leads to a decrease in their ability to perform their research and administrative tasks. As research is considered more prestigious, teaching is viewed as a burden, also in terms of career advancement. Is this the case? The present study used an online survey conducted at four universities and interviews with teaching faculty to analyze the subjective states and attitudes of university teachers. The results point to a prevalent intrinsic motivation that is generated and maintained by the teachers’ professional self-perceptions. Starting with the surprising finding that, regardless of differing structural conditions, teachers appear to be satisfied with their situations, the present work explores different forms of acquisition in teaching practice.

Impact of an educational program on nursing students' caring and self-perception in intensive clinical training in Jordan.

BackgroundFraming and development of clinical skills in nursing students during their clinical practice is critical because this can shape their future caring skills. Professional caring empowers patients and contributes to their well-being and health. Education may enhance the capacity of nurses to be effective caring practitioners. Their study program encourages caring behavior in nursing students, consequently affecting their professional self-perception.MethodsThe present study investigated the effect of an educational program on caring behavior and professional self-perception in nursing students using a controlled pre/post test study design. The study sample consisted of 50 nursing students undertaking their final year in 2010–2011. Subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The study was conducted in two critical care units affiliated to the Ma’an and Queen Rania hospitals in the south of Jordan. The instruments utilized were the Caring Dimensions Inventory, Nursing Students Attitude Observational Checklist, and Professional Self-Concept of Nurses Instrument.ResultsThe study findings favor the effect of the educational program because there was increased knowledge and understanding of caring theory and related concepts, a more holistic approach to care, enhanced caring practices, and improved self-perception in the study group compared with the control group during different periods of assessment. The study group showed significantly better caring perception in psychological, technical, and professional terms than the control group during different periods of assessment. There was a significant positive trend of overall professional self-perception for the study group compared with the control group.ConclusionNursing curricula should incorporate concepts and principles that guide students in developing caring, safe, competent, and professional behavior. Nursing students must seek educational opportunities to acquire knowledge for role preparation, to participate in knowledge generation, and for personal and professional development.

Ethics in the Teaching of Conference Interpreting

In marked contrast to research on court and community interpreting, in which ethics has long been addressed, research on conference interpreting has tended to focus on cognitive aspects of the interpreting process. In addition, ethical issues have not usually been addressed explicitly in the classroom. Recently, however, a shift in emphasis in both research and training can be observed, with closer attention being paid to the role of the conference interpreter within a complex communicative situation. Many training programmes now incorporate explicit modules on ethics. Thus, in many ways conference interpreting has seen a shift towards considerations previously more typical of community and court interpreting. This paper examines the reasons for this shift and for persistent attempts to draw distinctions between the various types of interpreting in relation to ethical demands. The consequences of professional self-perception and socialization for the place of ethics in conference interpreter training are also discussed.

Development and validation of an instrument to measure professional self-perception and job satisfaction of Portuguese community pharmacists

Abstract Focal points

Promoting Professionalism in Master's Level Teachers through Research Based Writing

Three perspectives on the redesign and implementation of a master's level social studies seminar are offered. Research-based writing was used to build information literacy skills and foster teachers' professionalism. Assessments indicate that students improved research and writing skills, increased their sense of teaching efficacy, and enhanced their professional self-perception.

Does GPs' self-perception of their professional role correspond to their social self-image? - A qualitative study from Germany

BackgroundThere is a decline in the relative numbers of general practitioners in Germany. Earlier research showed that the professional relationship between general practitioners and specialists is overshadowed by conflicts which could influence medical students not to choose a career in general practice. The aim of the study is to analyse potential discrepancies between general practitioners' self-perception of their professional role and their social self-image in relation to medical specialists and to identify potential barriers that might prevent medical students from becoming a general practitioner.MethodsA qualitative study design consisting of 16 interviews with general practitioners was chosen. Data analysis was carried out using the qualitative content analysis by Philipp Mayring.ResultsThere is a discrepancy between general practitioners' professional self-perception and how they perceive they are viewed by specialists. General practitioners communicate a positive self-perception of their professional role. While general practitioners think that specialists in outpatient care have a positive view on general practice, it is assessed to be negative by specialists working in hospitals and as medical teachers.ConclusionThe negatively influenced social self-image may originate particularly from "badmouthing" general practitioners at universities and in hospitals. "Badmouthing" demonstrates the importance of the consideration of psychological aspects in medical teachers and hospital specialists acting as role models. Negative comments should be considered as an important factor in influencing medical students and trainees' career choices. These aspects should be more integrated in future medical education curricula.

Professional Development in Art Education Today: A Survey of Kansas Art Teachers

It has been more than a decade since a survey of art teachers' professional situations, self-perceptions, opinions, and purposes has been conducted. In that time, discipline-based approaches to art...

Ability to solve problems, professionalism, management, empathy, and working capacity in occupational therapy--the professional self description form.

The majority of occupational therapists in Sweden previously worked on large occupational therapy wards. Health care policy has changed over the years and the system has been reorganized accordingly. The employment situation for occupational therapists has also changed. This paper focuses on the perception of professional self among occupational therapists. The objective was to explore the professional self and to suggest components important to the occupational therapist profession. The Professional Self Description Form (PSDF) was used for the exploration of self. The 19 items in the PSDF cover areas relevant to professional functioning and activity. Sixty-eight employed occupational therapists participated. The results of the PSDF were subjected to factor analysis and five factors were obtained; Ability to solve problems, Professionalism, Management, Empathy, and Working capacity. We believe that these five factors can function as improving domains of the role of the professional occupational therapist in Sweden.

Medical laboratory technologists' perception of professional self. A study of Swedish MLTs employed in clinical chemistry.

The subjective perception of professional self was studied for a sample of Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) employed in Clinical Chemistry in Sweden. The sample (N = 488) consisted of a randomized tenth of members of their trade union. A mailed questionnaire with 21 items concerning self-description compared with peers in a seven-point Likert type scale was completed by 332 (68%). There was no significant overall difference concerning the four principal types of workplace: Clinical Chemistry, Blood Serology, Primary Care and Clinical Chemistry/Blood Serology. The main difference was found between those in managerial posts (N = 72) and the other MLTs (N = 260). Factor analysis showed three principal components, labelled Professionalism, Work Ethic, and Empathy, but also a different composition of variables of the components for the manager group compared with the non-manager group.

Progression from Enrolled to Registered Nurse (2): Charting the conversion

Part 2 of the study focuses on the three value instruments mentioned in part 1 (Hembrough & Sheehan 1989). The students were asked to complete the three value-orientated tasks on seven occasions throughout the duration of the course. The data obtained provided some evidence regarding the stability of the students' values. The study also identifies and comments upon the most persistently and popularly chosen value descriptors. Cameos relating to the professional and personal self-perceptions of each student are also presented.

The behavioural sciences and undergraduate education in psychiatry.

The Behavioural Sciences are becoming increasingly important in medical education and in medical treatment. But medical students and the profession generally, appear to have difficulty accepting behavioural sciences as a valid part of the curriculum and in the practice of medicine. One of the reasons for this may be related to a narrow definition of the physician's social role in the years following the adoption of the Flexner Report in 1911 which emphasized the model of the physician/scientist. The perennial model of the physician occupying a social role in which science is used to increase and rationalize responsiveness to suffering has been eroded in favour of the pursuit of the scientific as the essential goal of medicine. The newer, "softer", sciences of anthropology, ecology, economics, psychology and sociology have not fitted into the professional self-perception of the medical role. Furthermore, some departments of behavioural science have adopted an intellectual stance at times antagonistic to the rest of the medical school emphasizing the shortcomings of the profession in its delivery of health care. The aspirant medical student may have been disaffected by teachers who do not embody acceptable role models. Students should receive specific instructions in the social role of the physician, physicians should be actively involved in teaching the behavioral sciences and the curriculum should at all times emphasize the relevance of the behavioural sciences to the daily practice of medicine.

Professional Self-Perception of Physical Education Teachers

Professional Self-Perception of Physical Education Teachers