Put the rabbit to sleep and hide the suffering: Identity tensions and veterinarian well-being

Abstract

Orientation: The global concern for veterinarian well-being continues to grow owing to the pervasiveness of psychological illness and suicide in the profession.

Research purpose: To explore lived experiences of South African veterinarians from an identity theory perspective.

Motivation for the study: There is a paucity of South African research on well-being in the veterinarian profession. Identity theory offers a unique perspective for understanding well-being because a coherent identity, supportive of the self-concept, is central to sustaining professionals’ well-being in the workplace.

Research approach/design and method: A hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was used to direct an interpretive, qualitative research strategy. Purposive sampling was applied to select registered, practising veterinarians for the study. Two online focus groups (n = 10) and four semi-structured individual interviews were conducted, with data being analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Main findings: Findings describe the way participants are confronted with role, social and person identity tension as fundamental challenges to their well-being.

Practical/managerial implications: The study highlights the importance of empowering veterinarians to build a sense of self that supports positive identity adjustment and, in doing so, enhances their resilience in the workplace.

Contribution/value-add: This research addresses well-being in a profession where it is seriously needed. It points to intervention opportunities for coaching and consulting with the aim of enhancing veterinarians’ adjustment and resilience in the workplace. The study contributes to the emerging discourse on intentional identity work to facilitate coping and adjustment in uniquely strenuous professional work contexts.