Abstract
In this action research project, the relationship between practicing self-care regularly and perceived levels of stress for one interpreter is examined. Interpreters have reported physical and psychological stressors related to their work. Data was collected over twenty-two weeks for this project. The Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, 1994), personal journal entries, and the Junto Emotion Wheel (Chadha, n.d.) were used to collect and analyze data for this project. This action research project contributes valuable insight on how practicing regular self-care as an interpreting professional can affect stress levels and potentially decrease burnout in our field. It also identifies specific self-care practices I found helpful in reducing my own perceived levels of stress in hopes that other interpreters will also find benefit in those activities. The results of this action research show that an increase in the average number of self-care activities performed weekly results in lower levels of perceived stress for one interpreter. Based on the results of this action research, there may be evidence that engaging in self-care more regularly can reduce stress for interpreters. Because burnout is prevalent in the field of interpreting, it is important that interpreters practice self-care to mitigate stress experienced at work and in their personal lives.
Exit Requirement
Action Research
Date of Award
12-10-2021
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies
Committee Chair
Elisa Maroney
Committee Member
Amanda Smith
Keywords
self-care, interpreting, stress, action research
Language
eng
Type (DCMI Terms)
Text
Recommended Citation
Litvinchuk, J. (2021). More Than Chocolate Cake and Bubble Baths: The Effects of Self-Care on Perceived Levels of Stress for Interpreters (master's thesis). Western Oregon University, Monmouth, Oregon. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wou.edu/theses/146
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