Impostor syndrome and job satisfaction: perceptions of community service physiotherapists within the Western Cape
| dc.contributor.author | America, Erin | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-12-09T11:03:07Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-12-09T11:03:07Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | BACKGROUND: Impostor syndrome, marked by persistent self-doubt despite evident success, is common among high-achievers and can negatively affect wellbeing and performance. Newly qualified physiotherapists, transitioning from academic to clinical settings during their community service year, may be particularly vulnerable. Exploring their experiences is crucial for early identification and support, which in turn contributes to targeted interventions, professional development, and the creation of more supportive work environments. AIM/PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore how community service physiotherapists in the Western Cape understand, experience, and manage Impostor Syndrome while completing their community service year. METHOD: A qualitative approach, using an exploratory study design, was employed to gather in-depth insights through one-on-one, semi-structured interviews. The study population comprised of 20 physiotherapy graduates from South African universities who completed their community service year in either 2023 or 2024 at one of the twenty-four health care facilities (including hospitals and community health care centers) within the public sector of the Western Cape. Only 10 participants were able to be recruited and participated in the study. Purposive sampling was employed, and snowball sampling supplemented recruitment. Interviews were conducted via Google Meet for accessibility. Data saturation was reached after 10 interviews. Verbatim transcripts were thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti software. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of the Western Cape’s Biomedical Research Ethics Committee and the Western Cape Department of Health. Informed consent was secured, and confidentiality and anonymity were maintained in line with Protection of Personal Information Act. Participation was voluntary, and minimal risk was anticipated. Emotional responses during interviews were addressed with support options. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10566/21557 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of the Western Cape | |
| dc.subject | Community service physiotherapists | |
| dc.subject | Early career professionals | |
| dc.subject | Impostor syndrome | |
| dc.subject | Job satisfaction | |
| dc.subject | Public health sector | |
| dc.title | Impostor syndrome and job satisfaction: perceptions of community service physiotherapists within the Western Cape | |
| dc.type | Thesis |