Introduction: Professional Identity (PI) of occupational therapists (OTs) is crucial for the benefit of their clients. Cultural or social factors influence PI in addition to occupational therapy practice. However, studies on PI trends among Japanese OTs remain insufficient.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify trends in PI among OTs in Japan.
Methods: A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among OTs working at 500 facilities randomly selected from the list of the Japanese Association of Occupational Therapists (JAOT). The questionnaire consisted of basic attributes and a PI scale developed to measure OTs’ PI. The PI scale consisted of four factors, with higher scores indicating higher PI (range: 29-145). The PI total scores were divided into two groups based on the median: a high-PI group and a low-PI group. The differences between the two groups were compared using the chi-square test (p<0.05).
Results: The study included and analyzed 620 people, 292 males(47.1%) and 328 females(52.9%).The median PI total score was 101 (88-113), on the basis of which they were divided into two groups. The study compared 307 in the high-PI group and 313 in the low-PI group. The high-PI group had a higher proportion of males, many of whom had spouses and children, held positions, belonged to JAOT, and had more years of occupational therapy experience.
Conclusion: The gender differences in PI could be attributed to cultural or social factors in Japan. Experience in occupational therapy practice considering these factors would contribute to high PI.