The Art of Uncertainty: Exploring the Professional Identity of Occupational Therapists in Karachi – A Cross-Sectional Survey
Professional Identity of Occupational Therapists in Karachi
Keywords:
Burnout, Multidisciplinary collaboration, Occupational therapist, Professional identity, Self-esteemAbstract
Background: Professional identity, a subset of identity formation, involves individuals' perceptions of their roles within a chosen career. While various disciplines have explored identity formation, the professional identity of occupational therapists (OTs) remains understudied. Therefore, this study investigates the professional identity of OTs in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted OTs with at least one year of professional experience in educational or clinical settings. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 107 participants, and data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The instrument assessed key dimensions of professional identity, including self-esteem, self-determination, competence, and relationships within professional networks. The questionnaire's reliability was confirmed (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation analysis, to examine relationships among variables.
Results: The majority of respondents were female (85%) and graduates (74.8%) with 1–8 years of experience (86.9%). Positive correlations were found between self-esteem and self-determination (r=0.564, p <0.01), self-determination and sense of competence (r=0.631, p<0.01), and competence with relationships within multidisciplinary teams. Coping strategies and theoretical/practical knowledge mastery also significantly influenced professional identity.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the interdependence of self-esteem, self-determination, and competence in shaping professional identity. Positive relationships within multidisciplinary teams enhance professional growth, while mastery of knowledge bolsters confidence and role clarity. Gender disparity and role ambiguity remain challenges, emphasizing the need for clearer professional boundaries and public awareness.
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