Examining Scottish Chiropractic Professional Identity Using Chiropractic Professional Identity Scales

Research Question(s) Using the CPIES and CPISOS, does the strength of chiropractic professional identity (CPI) vary across Scottish chiropractors? For the CPIES and CPISOS, are there any influences on CPI across age, gender, ethnicity, or pre-professional educational variables?

Rationale and Significance of the Study By aiming to understand CPI and its drivers, the investigators may be able to strengthen and develop chiropractors' professional identity without homogenisation. A strong professional identity facilitates the taking up of professional responsibilities, promotes a sense of belonging and professional socialisation, increases competence, fosters greater belonging, stability, and esteem, and promotes enhanced decision-making and confidence. These have been shown to enhance trust and patient safety and ultimately lead to better practice and patient outcomes. By better understanding CPI, and through the use of the Chiropractic Professional Identity Embodiment Scale (CPIES) and the Subtype Orientation Scale (CPISOS), the investigators may be able to identify potential divisions or areas of friction in chiropractic curriculum and to better support the profession.

Chiropractic research has shown that burnout and professional dissatisfaction may be a consequence of poor professional identity. In a sample of chiropractors, the CPIES and CPISOS may help to identify areas of professional identity that could be strengthened, and that may ultimately improve professional satisfaction and success.

This project will also allow us to collect demographic data of Scottish chiropractors, which may also assist in understanding the profession in greater detail and depth.

Literature/Past Research Review