An Investigation into The Occupational Perceptions of Healthcare Professionals: The Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Psychological needs, uncomfortable when not met, are explained by our expectations of achievement, relationship, autonomy, and dominance. Since work life is an important determinant in meeting directly (or indirectly) the tangible and intangible needs of individuals, work-related experiences are very effective in individuals' occupational perceptions. Also, occupational preferences are based on reasons: conscious selection, environmental pressure, financial security, prestige and social benefit. In order to test this connection (and the sources of the differences), the pandemic period constitutes the justification for the sample design of the study, especially as it includes challenging working conditions for healthcare professionals. Accordingly, the main purpose of the study is to discuss the relationship between the occupational preferences of healthcare professions and their psychological needs, with the determinant of their specific working conditions. Mixed (pluralist) research method is used in the design of the study. While the perceptions of the respondents about the working conditions are determined through the socio-demographic information form and open-ended questions, the occupational preferences inventory and the new psychological needs assessment scale are used to evaluate the occupational perceptions of healthcare professions. The study sample consists of a total of 378 respondents selected from doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. The study points to important findings regarding the connection between the occupational preferences of health professionals and their psychological needs. In addition, occupational groups (doctor, pharmacist, nurse) differ from each other in terms of occupational preferences and working conditions.