Social Workers’ Perceived Role Clarity as Members of an Interdisciplinary Team in Brain Injury Settings

ABSTRACT

This study investigated social workers’ role clarity as members of an interdisciplinary team in traumatic and acquired brain injury treatment settings. A total of 37 social workers from 7 Western countries completed an anonymous online survey questionnaire. The majority of participants have more than 10 years of experience working in brain injury treatment settings (59.5%), and about 54% have been in their current employment for more than 10 years. Findings revealed that there were significant positive correlations between perceived respect, team collaboration, and perceived value of self for team with role clarity. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived value of self for team was a significant predictor of role clarity (p < .05).

KEYWORDS:

• Brain injury
• disability
• interdisciplinary team
• perceived respect
• role clarity
• social work
• value of self for team
• work stress

Notes on contributor

Martha Vungkhanching, MSW, PhD, is Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Social Work Education at California State University, Fresno. She received her PhD in social work and social administration from The University of Hong Kong. She completed postdoctoral fellowships in alcohol studies at the University of Missouri–Columbia and in traumatic brain injury and advanced rehabilitation at the Institute of Healthcare Studies, Northwestern University. She has extensive practice experience in substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation. Her research interests include alcohol and substance abuse, traumatic brain injury, oncology social work, health and mental health, and international social work practice.

Kareen N. Tonsing, MSW, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Oakland University. She was awarded her PhD from The University of Hong Kong. Her research interests include acculturation, psychological adaptation, children and family welfare, mental health, and domestic violence. Her published works focus on acculturation, social support, and psychological adaptation and well-being within immigrant populations. She is a licensed social worker and has worked with diverse client populations in Hong Kong.