Dean, Pollard (2001): Application of Demand-Control Theory to Sign Language Interpreting: Implications for Stress and Interpreter Training

Demand-control theory (Karasek, 1979)

two phenomenon are at play: demand and control, and the “strength” of each ranges from low to high

What are the demands in the interpreting profession?

• linguistic

• environmental

• interpersonal

• intrapersonal

Decision latitude

control

CTD

Cumulative trauma disorder

Workplace (occupational) stress is linked to

• injury

• disease

• absenteeism

• low productivity

Physical environment changes meant to help reduce stress at work

• noise reduction barries

• ergonomic seating and keyboards

• glare-reducing lights

• open space in office buildins

Employee-focused changes meant to help reduce stress at work

• “brown bag” seminars on nutrition and stress reduction

• gym membership discounts

• on-site gyms

• on-site daycare

interactional viewpoint

the individual and the work environment are both considered in the definition of the problem and potential solutions (interventions)

Who developed demand-control model?

Robert Karasek (1979) in collaboration with Tores Theorell

Demand

requirements of a job

• environment

• actual task being performed

• other factors that “act upon” the person

Control

the degree to which the person has the power to “act upon” the demands

• make decisions

• using skills/resources relevant to task

• altering the environment

Quadrant 1: Active

High demand, high control

• well trained nurse who can adequately respond to job demands

Quadrant 2: High-strain

high degree of demands, limited control of demands

• factory worker with little control over the pace of the assembly line

Quadrant 4: low-strain

high control, low demand

• college professor proctoring a final exam

Quadrant 3: Passive

low demand, low control

• assembling fast-food hamburgers at a dead restaurant

What are two prominent factors cited in interpreter stress and burnout?

• inadequate training for working in the real world

• lack of professional support after graduation

Role strain

static, restrictive nature of the interpreter’s role

Role strain comes from

• working conditions

• unattainable high performance expectations

• conflicting views among understanding of interpreter’s role

• no outlet for emotional reactions and duress

• limited ability to help consumers

• real or perceived skill inadequacies

CTD examples

• carpal-tunnel syndrome

• tendinitis

• bursitis

Psychological CTD prevention

• self-exploration

• constructive thinking

• reflection

• venting

• prayer

Linguistic demand

directly or indirectly related to language

• language fluency of parties involved

• clarity in articulation

• interpreter’s own knowledge and fluency in each language

Environmental demand

factors related to the setting in which the interpreting assignment takes place

interpersonal deman

factors related to the interaction of individuals participating in the communication process and other parties present

intrapersonal demand

physical and psychological factors pertaining to the interpreter alone1.

What are the 3 challenges in applying the demand-control model to interpreting?

1. identifying the demands interpreters face

2. recognizing the simultaneous contribution of demands from each of the 4 categories to the total degree of demand experienced

3. recognize the shift in demands that can happen from assignment to assignment or even within one single assignment

Even if Q1 is intense, it is often considered worthwhile because it stimulates

learning

Demands and control have

a relationship

Job control components

• skills/resources

• decision authority

In a profession, decision latitude is determined by

• education and experience

• freedoms attributed to that role by society

• professional code of conduct

Which quadrant is most preferred and associated with less psycho physiological risk

Q1: Active

This paper indirectly argues that interpreting is in what quadrant?

High demand, low control - Q2: High-Strain

What are two factors currently contributing to illness, injury (CTD), high turnover, and burnout rates in the interpreting profession?

• lack of decision latitude (perception and in CPC)

• lack of other control resources

  • formally sanctioned, confidential supervision

There is a positive correlation between higher job satisfaction and

more training and effective supervision

This paper argues for

extended supervised training periods after graduate (like in medical and legal professions)

problem-based learning approaches

emphasizes early student exposure to practice challenges with real consumers and merges acquisition of knowledge with developing professional practice and judgement skills WITH seasoned teachers/mentors

competency-based education

knowledge is demonstrated in “real-world setting” over a period of time

• frequent feedback

• immediate opportunity to incorporate feedback in real practice