Work

Professional identity construction: becoming and being a dietician in Brazil, France and Spain

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Professional socialization is a complex process that leads to the professional identity. While several studies have focused on the professional identity of physicians and nurses, few studies analyzed this aspect among dieticians. Furthermore, those studies did not consider the influence of sociocultural norms. The aim of this study was to analyze the construction of the professional identity of Brazilian, French and Spanish dieticians. A qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews was set up. The construction of the professional identity of Brazilian, French and Spanish dieticians is characterized by the incorporation of skills, knowledge and roles. This process was marked by transformations, mainly related to food and body. Dieticians from the three nationalities shared similar professional values grounded in a medical-nutritional rationale. However, their professional identity also resulted from a continuous process of interaction with patients, peers and the socio-cultural environment.

Source: Interface - Comunicação Saúde Educação

DOI: 10.1590/interface.210182

Authors: Maria Clara de Moraes Prata Gaspar, Cristina Larrea-Killinger

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre d'Étude et de Recherche Travail Organisation Pouvoir, Université de Toulouse, Universitat de Barcelona

Language: English

Topic: Dietetics, Nutrition, and Education

Subfield: Health Information Management

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $152

Funders: Universitat de Barcelona, Fondation Nestlé