TEMPORAL PERSPECTIVE, PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY, AND PERCEIVED WELLBEING.
Contributors: Wayne State University.
Published: 1986
Number of pages: 213
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: Theory development efforts directed toward both the discipline and profession of nursing are critically important. To address a number of issues and questions relevant to the profession of nursing, a synthesized conceptual model based on the construct of expanding awareness of consciousness was derived from the works of Bentov, Hall, Newman, and Zerubavel. Additionally, the new Miller and Polentini tool of professional identity was tested. The specific problem statement of this study was: What are the relationships among the concepts of professional education, quantity and quality of work experience, temporal perspective, professional identity, and perceived global wellbeing?.

The ex post facto design utilized a convenience survey sample of current baccalaureate and master students and recent graduates of both levels of programs. Eight a priori hypotheses and one research question derived from the causal model developed for this study were tested. Path analysis and analysis of variance were the analysis techniques used. Multiple regression analysis was also done to test for statistical significance of the causal model.

Six of the hypotheses were weakly supported. The overall fit of the empirical data to the model of perceived global wellbeing was weak (4%). Although statistical significance was not achieved, these results replicate findings from large national surveys of perceived global wellbeing reported by Andrews and Withey. Differences among student and recent graduate cohorts relative to professional identity and perceived quality of the current work setting were demonstrated.

Through the dynamic interplay between theory, research, consideration of the empirical data, and the knowledge of hindsight, an alternative model of professional identity was posed and tested. The results of the alternative model accounted for 15% of the variance, thereby providing greater theoretical and statistical significance.

Although the bivariate correlations and path coefficients among the study variables were weak, this is probably due to the homogeneous study sample which resulted in truncated ranges on several variables. Further studies are needed to address the possible sampling and measurement limitations in this study. Additionally, careful consideration must be given to the influence of extrinsic factors (e.g., salary and benefits) on the development of a sense of professional identity.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 47-12, Section: B, page: 4821.

Thesis (PH.D.)--WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY, 1986.

School code: 0254.