Date of Award
8-2018
Culminating Project Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Rehabilitation Counseling: M.S.
Department
Community Psychology, Counseling and Family Therapy
College
School of Health and Human Services
First Advisor
Amy Hebert Knopf
Second Advisor
Emily Lund
Third Advisor
Phyllis Greenberg
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords and Subject Headings
sign language interpreters, VRS, case conferencing, occupational stress, qualitative study, demand control schema, deaf and hard of hearing
Abstract
Many sign language interpreters working within Video Relay Services (VRS) experience more occupational stress than interpreters working in community settings (Dean, Pollard, & Samar, 2010). There exists a lack of research to guide the field of sign language interpreting in coping strategies that can be used to decrease the stress and burnout that is endemic to working in VRS. This qualitative research case study explores how case conferencing can be strategic in mitigating stress and increasing retention in the field. Case conferencing combined with Dean and Pollard’s Demand Control Schema is a relatively recent approach for critical thinking and ethical decision making in the field of sign language interpreting. This researcher found that case conferencing can be a useful vehicle for ameliorating the stressful effects of working in VRS. Focus groups were conducted with VRS interpreters who participated in case conferencing workshops that were facilitated by the researcher between 2013 and 2017. Themes of effectively reducing stress, application of skills, integration of practice, increased retention and a more positive professional community were derived from the participants in the focus groups. The elements of validation and empathy combined with a group format for case conferencing could be used to increase VRS’ interpreters’ self-efficacy. Case conferencing, in turn, may result in improved access for consumers who are deaf and hard of hearing who utilize telecommunication services.
Recommended Citation
Wilbert, Carrie L., "Case Conferencing Decreases Occupational Stress for VRS Interpreters: A Qualitative Study" (2018). Culminating Projects in Community Psychology, Counseling and Family Therapy. 52.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/cpcf_etds/52
