Beyond the job description: an autoethnography of the emotional dimension of disability support work
| dc.contributor.author | Antwi Asamoah, Benedicta Amponsaah | |
| dc.contributor.examiningcommittee | Driedger, Diane (Disability Studies) | |
| dc.contributor.examiningcommittee | Baffoe, Michael (Social Work) | |
| dc.contributor.supervisor | Hansen, Nancy | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-08-27T15:02:06Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-08-27T15:02:06Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-08-10 | |
| dc.date.submitted | 2024-08-10T09:13:04Z | en_US |
| dc.degree.discipline | Disability Studies | |
| dc.degree.level | Master of Science (M.Sc.) | |
| dc.description.abstract | ABSTRACT This autoethnographic study explores the emotional dimensions of disability support work through the personal experiences of the researcher. The research investigates the long-term effects of emotional labour on support workers, focusing on both positive and negative impacts. Through detailed reflective narratives, the study highlights how emotional labour has enhanced emotional intelligence, professional growth, and commitment to advocacy. Conversely, it also examines the challenges of emotional exhaustion, mental health impacts, and strained personal relationships. By employing an autoethnographic approach, the research provides an authentic portrayal of the daily emotional complexities faced by disability support workers. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these emotional demands to improve the well-being of both support workers and clients. The study also incorporates insights from an MSc in Disability Studies, which has influenced the researcher’s approach to caregiving and emotional labour management. The findings underscore the necessity for sustainable practices and organizational support systems to manage emotional labour effectively. Recommendations include regular emotional health check-ins, training programs in emotional regulation, supportive organizational policies, structured support systems, cultural competence training, systemic policy reforms, adequate resources and staffing, and involving support workers in management decisions. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the emotional labour involved in disability support work and highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to support those in this vital field. | |
| dc.description.note | October 2024 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/1993/38432 | |
| dc.language.iso | eng | |
| dc.rights | open access | en_US |
| dc.subject | Autoethnography | |
| dc.subject | Emotional labour | |
| dc.subject | Emotional dimension | |
| dc.subject | Disability support work | |
| dc.subject | Job description | |
| dc.title | Beyond the job description: an autoethnography of the emotional dimension of disability support work | |
| dc.type | master thesis | en_US |
| local.subject.manitoba | no |