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Article
Help seeking: A role identity perspective.
American Journal of Orthopsychiatry (2007)
  • Darcy Siebert, Rutgers University - New Brunswick/Piscataway
  • Carl Siebert, Boise State University
Abstract

Helping professionals, like the rest of the general population, have multiple identities (e.g., parent, community member), and many have prominent role identities as personal and professional caregivers. A recent instrument validation study illustrated that caregiver role identity is related to increased personal distress (e.g., depression, burnout), and this distress can negatively influence practitioners’ professional work. This article builds on this research by expanding the conceptualization of role identity theory and extending its application to help seeking behaviors among 751 respondents in a representative sample of practicing social workers. Logistic regression analyses of data from this new measure suggest caregiver role identity may be an important risk factor for professionals needing to seek assistance for their own personal problems.

Disciplines
Publication Date
2007
Citation Information
Siebert, D. C., & Siebert, C. F. (2007). Help seeking among helping professionals: A role identity perspective. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 77, 49-55.