Sign Language Interpreter Well-Being

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Sign language interpreters are crucial for communication access.
• Assessing interpreter well-being is vital for workforce sustainability.
• Limited quantitative data exists on the well-being of sign language interpreters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess the well-being of certified sign language interpreters.
• To identify specific areas of concern impacting interpreter well-being.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional study surveyed 170 certified sign language interpreters.
• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Worker Well-Being Questionnaire (NIOSH WellBQ) was utilized.
• Descriptive statistics and internal consistency analysis were performed.

Main Results:

• Interpreters reported neutral perceptions of workplace health (2.6/4) and safety (2.8/4) cultures.
• Significant percentages reported work-related incivility: 5% sexual harassment, 13% physical violence, 26% bullying.
• Interpreters experienced 7-9 days of poor physical/mental health in the past 30 days, with limitations in cognitive functioning (57%) and work capacity (42%).
• Financial concerns were prevalent, with 43% worried about their standard of living and bills.

Conclusions:

• The NIOSH WellBQ is a valid tool for assessing interpreter well-being.
• Future interventions should focus on improving workplace health and safety cultures.
• Addressing incivility and promoting physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, and financial health are critical for sign language interpreters.