The multidimensional construct of perfectionism is well studied as it relates to coping with stress and burnout (Flett & Hewitt, 2002). Bontempo and Napier (2011) identify the personality trait of conscientiousness, which includes perfectionistic traits, as beneficial to an interpreter’s job performance. In contrast, several studies suggest that constructs related to maladaptive perfectionistic traits play a role in the development of burnout among interpreters, although perfectionism has not been explicitly identified or used as a research variable (Qin, Marshall, Mozrall, & Marschark, 2008). These studies identify key components of both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism in the assessment of stress-related outcomes, thereby laying the groundwork for a more focused study on the particular role of perfectionism among interpreters who experience burnout. The multidimensional construct of perfectionism is well studied as it relates to coping with stress and burnout (Flett & Hewitt, 2002). Bontempo and Napier (2011) identify the personality trait of conscientiousness, which includes perfectionistic traits, as beneficial to an interpreter’s job performance. In contrast, several studies suggest that constructs related to maladaptive perfectionistic traits play a role in the development of burnout among interpreters, although perfectionism has not been explicitly identified or used as a research variable (Qin, Marshall, Mozrall, & Marschark, 2008). These studies identify key components of both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism in the assessment of stress-related outcomes, thereby laying the groundwork for a more focused study on the particular role of perfectionism among interpreters who experience burnout. The current study evaluated the relationship between perfectionism, stress, coping resources and burnout in a sample of sign language interpreters. The results provided support for the mediating role of stress in the association of maladaptive perfectionism and burnout within a sign language interpreting sample. Coping resources did not serve as a moderator between perfectionism variables and burnout or a moderated mediator between perfectionism variables and perceived stress. The implications of these findings for sign language interpreters are discussed. The current study evaluated the relationship between perfectionism, stress, coping resources and burnout in a sample of sign language interpreters. The results provided support for the mediating role of stress in the association of maladaptive perfectionism and burnout within a sign language interpreting sample. Coping resources did not serve as a moderator between perfectionism variables and burnout or a moderated mediator between perfectionism variables and perceived stress. The implications of these findings for sign language interpreters are discussed.

Sign language interpreters (SLI) provide a vital service to the deaf community but also experience high levels of pain and suffer from career threatening musculoskeletal disorders. Balancing work and rest (recovery) may be a useful intervention to help address these concerns. This thesis addresses two specific questions, parsed out of a larger study seeking to determine ideal work to rest ratios for sign language interpreting. The aims of this specific body of work were to evaluate sign language interpreters (SLIs) perceptions of the mental and physical demands associated with different work to rest ratios; and, to measure kinematics during signing, comparing kinematic outcomes between novice and experienced SLIs and over time using the work to rest ratio that was perceived as the least demanding (as identified in aim 1). Nine novice and nine experienced interpreters participated in the study, each interpreting the same ten hours of a university level lecture, over the course of six visits to the laboratory. During each session interpreters worked (“hands in the air”) for 60 minutes, but used a different work to rest strategy in each session. These strategies ranged from 10-minute work, 10-minute rest, to 60 minutes of continuous work with no rest. During each session, participants were instrumented with motion capture and electromyography sensors while interpreting in a simulated working environment. In addition, SLIs were asked to provide feedback about their perceptions of the mental and physical demands associated with each session. The first study in this thesis reports on participant’s subjective feedback about the six different sessions (paper #1); where participants identified the 15-minute work to rest ratio as ideal. The second paper reports on kinematic data from this perceived ideal work to rest ratio (paper #2). Despite interpreting in a work to rest ratio that SLIs perceived as ideal, kinematic variables with known associations to injury risk (joint position, velocity, micro-breaks) readily exceeded reported thresholds. / Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-05-29 17:46:11.133

Teckenspråkstolkar hanterar till vardags olika typer av tolkuppdrag, till exempel möten på arbetsplatser, offentliga uppdrag på scen, i utbildningssammanhang eller hos tandläkaren. Syftet är alltid detsamma, nämligen att möjliggöra kommunikation mellan personer som inte delar samma språk. Situationernavarierar dock och kan äga rum i alla tänkbara kontexter i livet, från vaggan till graven. Det ingår i tolkensprofession att anpassa sig till situationen. Det handlar både om en språklig och kulturell anpassning och en anpassning av sitt yttre för att inte vara ett störningsmoment för de närvarande parterna under uppdraget. Kläderna är en viktig del inom tolkning eftersom teckenspråket är visuellt baserat och mottagaren uppfattar språket via synen. Den här studien fokuserar på yrkesverksamma teckenspråkstolkars uppfattning om klädkoden inom professionen samt hur klädvalet anpassas efter uppdragen. I uppsatsen genomfördes sju kvalitativa forskningsintervjuer för detta ändamål. Analysen visar att det förekommer anpassningar ifråga om vad tolkar väljer att ta på sig beroende på vilken typ av uppdrag som står på agendan. Det kan handla både om att vara praktiskt klädd inför uppdrag och att signalera professionalitet till omgivningen. Klädkoden inom tolkkåren är en oskriven regel som alla känner till och följer, men som inte är specifikt uttalad när man väl är klar med utbildningen. Samtidigt uppger flera tolkar om att de inom ramen för den rådande klädkoden ändå på kreativa sätt kan variera sin klädsel och markera sin personliga identitet. / Sign language interpreters handle different types of interpreting assignments with regards to work-related situations such as meetings at workplaces, public assignments on stage, in educational contexts, or at the dentist. The purpose is always the same, to enable communication between people who do not share a language. Situations, however, vary greatly and can occur in all conceivable contexts in life from the cradle to the grave. A part of the interpreter's profession is to adapt to these situations. It includes linguistic and cultural adaptation, as well as adaptation of the interpreter’s appearance in order to not interfere with the parties involved in the assignment. Clothing is an important part of interpretation as the sign language is visual and the recipients understand the language through signs. This study focuses on the professional sign language interpreter’s perception of the dress code in the profession and how the choice of clothing is adapted to the assignments. The study conducted seven qualitative research interviews for this purpose. The analysis shows that there are adjustments in terms of what interpreters choose to wear, which depend on the type of assignment, to be both practically dressed and to signal professionalism in the environment. This dress code within the interpreting corps is an unwritten rule that everyone knows and follows, but which is not specifically stated once the education is completed. At the same time, several interpreters state that within the framework of the prevailing dress code, they can still creatively vary their attire and mark their personal identity.