Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Meaning And Motivation Of Children Participating In Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Pilot Study, Beth Laskowski, Melissa Y. Winkle, Whitney Lucas Molitor

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Background: Despite claims that animal-assisted therapy is beneficial, there is limited empirical evidence supporting this. Current literature supports the physical, emotional, and psychological benefits an animal can provide, but few studies have explored the outcomes of incorporating an animal into skilled treatment facilitated by a healthcare professional. This study seeks to explore the effects of animal-assisted therapy in outpatient pediatric occupational therapy practice.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to explore the meaningfulness and motivation animal-assisted therapy interventions provide for pediatric clients when compared with traditional occupational therapy treatment.

Methods: Researchers utilized a within-participants repeated-measures design for this study. …

The Relationship Between Human Trafficking And An Occupational Therapy Career, Lexie France

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Occupational therapy crosses physical-mental health boundaries. It has been stated that occupational therapists have an innate duty to work with not only individuals, but society as a whole when individuals experience social and occupational injustices. An example of a social/occupational injustice that an individual may experience is human trafficking. Human trafficking not only affects the individual physically and emotionally, but it also has a pervasive impact on the individual’s ability to function as an occupational being. These experiences have the potential to affect the individual in varied contexts and environments, and over the lifespan. Due to an occupational therapist's proficiency …

Bridging The Gap Between Academia And Practice: Possibilities For Research Collaboration And Funding, Anne H. Zachry

Faculty Presentations

Preparing a successful small grant proposal involves research, planning, preparation, and determination, but obtaining funding for a creative project is not unrealistic. Practitioners are in the trenches on a daily basis, and many likely have novel ideas and relevant questions, especially when it comes to interventions. These intervention questions are important, with the American Occupational Therapy Association reporting that more studies are needed to investigate and support occupation-based intervention. By developing partnerships, educators, practitioners, and students can engage in small scale projects to further the knowledge base in the field of occupational therapy.