Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Occupation-Based Practice In Occupational Therapy, Sarah Psillas

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The positive impact of occupation and well-being has been documented throughout the literature, however, the direct link of using occupation-based practice (OBP) and improvement of client outcomes has not been well established. This research study considered what OBP is, what the constructs are that comprise it, and how facilitators and barriers impact its use. Results: Results of this grounded theory study included four main constructs of occupation-based practice (actual occupation, meaningful and purposeful value, therapeutic intent, and engaged participation) as well as the theory of OccupationalTherapist’s Dynamic Use of Occupation-Based Practice. This theory explains the dynamic process that a …

A Need For Occupational Justice: The Impact Of Racial Microaggression On Occupations, Wellness, And Health Promotion, Emily Grullon, Carlneshia Hunnicutt, Melisa Morrison, Olandria Langford, Mirtha M. Whaley

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

“Ism,” in general terms describes a practice that denotes oppression of a group based on the characteristics of its members: racism, sexism, and ageism, are the three types most commonly identified. “Isms” often impose limits on people, and while we have been aware of those limits at the macro level, we have been less aware of acts that happen at the level of the individual, the micro level. These acts, which are frequently heard and seen in the media, have personal, occupational, and health implications for those affected by them. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness about …

The Interprofessional Exploration Of Occupational Deprivation (Od) In Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv) To Inform The Health Professional, Chane' Wray, Cheryl Mae Granada

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

One of the most common forms of violence against women is intimate partner violence (IPV), a public health issue affecting one in three women globally and one in four in the nation (World Health Organization [WHO], 2016). IPV produces long-term impressions as it is defined as any behavior within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological or sexual harm (WHO, 2016). Women affected by IPV are inclined to isolate themselves socially decreasing their participation in daily routines (Gorde et al., 2004). The prolonged preclusion of women from necessary/meaningful occupations such as child rearing and social interaction is a conflict outside …

Integrating Art And Narrative To Enhance Quality Of Life In Palliative Care, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Lacie Lee Wallace, a mixed-media artist from Wheeling, West Virginia, is featured on the cover of the Fall 2018 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The photograph depicts Lacie holding a self-portrait painted by artist CeCey Rose. Lacie’s physical appearance in the photograph is strikingly different from the physical appearance of the woman featured in the painting. The portrait was created 4 years before Lacie was diagnosed with advanced stage colon cancer. In the year following the diagnosis, Lacie lost nearly 100 lbs. as a result of an aggressive treatment regimen. When the palliative care team at …

Journey Interrupted: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Miscarriage, Marit A. Watson, Vanessa D. Jewell, Sarah L. Smith

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Miscarriage is a significant life event that impacts occupational performance, identity, and competence and that influences perceptions of motherhood. Because of the lack of social rituals often attributed to the death of a loved one, miscarriages may result in disenfranchised grief, which impedes coping.

Methods: This phenomenological study explored the impact of miscarriage on relationships, perceptions of motherhood, and the meaning of occupation in the context of grief. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews (N = 4) and completion of a brief demographic questionnaire. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and reviewed to ensure accuracy. Using inductive thematic …

Comparative Analysis Of Perceived Barriers Of Occupations Associated With Dating For People With Physical Disabilities And Able-Bodied Young Adults, Mikaela Furst, Kliricia Loc, Taylor Parks, Shelby Sarnowski

Adult

This abstract will be available for download after an embargo period

The War On Words, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Art And Science Of Occupation As Therapy, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Ashley Woo Lee, an occupational therapy student based in Loma Linda, CA, provided the cover art for the Winter 2018 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT) (Figure 1). The piece, titled “Tree of Life,” is a 11” x 14” drawing made from mixed media. As a child living in Korea, Ashley enjoyed drawing as a favorite pastime. After her family relocated to the United States, art became Ashley’s primary means for self-expression. When a career in art was not an option, the field of occupational therapy satisfied Ashley’s artistic and scientific interests. In a recent interview, Ashley …

Transition In Occupations Of Refugees During Resettlement, Jennifer H. Daine, Adam A. Chan, Jacqueline-Elizabeth Cantrell, Kimberley Keagan Banuelos

Student Research Posters

Purpose: In 2016, there were 22.5 million refugees worldwide (UNHCR, 2017). California resettled just over 5,000 of those 85,000 (Igielnik & Krogstad, 2017). Limited research has been conducted in the United States (U.S.) focusing on the refugee experience; furthermore, there is a significant gap in research regarding the impact of the refugee experience on the occupations of refugees as they transition to living in the U.S. Smith (2012) explored the adaptation of cultural weaving among Karen refugees to maintain their previous occupations and the impact of daily weaving on their lives within Western culture; however, the study focused only on …

Fragile X Syndrome And Family Occupations: Sertraline Treatment, Tracy Ye, Decerie Mendoza, Elena A. Javier, Martina C. Dualan

Student Research Posters

Current research on children with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) lacks inclusion of qualitative outcomes on the child’s daily occupational performance. Standardized measurements are frequently utilized and provide useful information, however, can be less sensitive to change (Berry Kravis et al., 2013) and miss capturing family perspectives and improvements within meaningful occupations. This research incorporates family perspectives via semi-structured interviews to promote an in-depth understanding about FXS and its impact on child and family occupations in addition to standardized assessment scores through in-depth case study analysis. This study used a mixed method research design examining four male participants who were given …

The Role Of Adult Day Services In Supporting The Occupational Participation Of People With Dementia And Their Carers: An Integrative Review, Janice Du Preez, J. L. Millsteed, Ruth Marquis, Janet Richmond

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The increasing numbers of people with dementia places considerable stress on health and aged care services and has resulted in the development of community adult day services. Aim: The aim of this integrative review is to determine the extent to which these services support the occupational participation of people with dementia, and how they impact their primary carers. Method: The mixed-methods appraisal tool (MMAT) was used to identify relevant studies in the period 2011–2016. Results: Nine databases were searched and yielded 16 articles with a variety of research designs for inclusion in the review. Conclusions: Findings …

The Healing Nature Of Occupation, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Moses Hamilton, an artist based in Hawaii, provided the cover art for the Spring 2017 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Pali Kai” is a 11”x14” painting made from acrylic on canvas. When a tragic car accident left Hamilton paralyzed from the chest down, mouth painting provided an outlet for self-expression and stress relief. Participation in a meaningful occupation helped Hamilton find his path in life. With their colorful impressionist-style, Hamilton’s paintings have brought happiness to people all over the world.

How Society’S Philosophy Has Shaped Occupational Therapy Practice For The Past 100 Years, Jim Hinojosa

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Anne Cronin Mosey lecture seeks to stimulate provocative thinking about issues important to occupational therapy. The speaker is asked to raise a controversial issue and provide a perspective that may challenge many in the audience. In this paper, I examine occupational therapy practice in the context of the dominant philosophical movement of American society. The first part presents the influence of America’s dominant philosophical movements on the profession: pragmatism (1917), modernism (1940), and, currently, postmodernism. I propose that occupational therapy’s acceptance of modernism has resulted in two major opposing viewpoints, prompting polarization and fragmentation in the profession. I argue …

Creating Environments Through The Art Of Occupational Therapy, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Lori Reynolds has an interest in therapeutic gardens and the creation of living spaces that promote well-being for older adults. Dr. Reynolds educates various stakeholders on the benefits of occupational therapy, including landscape architects and senior living administrators. Her advocacy to expand occupational therapy beyond its mainstream roles is infectious. She speaks passionately about her work in helping to create therapeutic gardens and how her role as an occupational therapist offers great perspective in this process. She appreciates the environmental impact on an individual’s health and well-being and practices from a person-environment-occupation theory.

Arts Of Life: A Place For Artists To Participate And Engage, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Arts of Life is an innovative, Chicago-based day program where artists with and without disabilities have the opportunity to participate in artwork. It was created out of an identified need for individuals with a developmental disability to foster community engagement in artistic endeavors. Arts of Life has its foundation in four core values: inspiring artistic expression, building community, promoting self-respect, and developing independence. It bases its programming on these values, which help to maintain a collective environment that promotes artistic freedom for all individuals.

Portrait Of An Ot Artist: Using Mindfulness To Find Life Balance, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Lynn Davies, a Canadian-based occupational therapist, understands the skill set and practice required to employ a balanced work/play/leisure routine, even for an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists can easily foster this balanced routine for clients; however, they may fall short of adopting this balanced routine in their own lives. Lynn uses art and mindfulness strategies to strive for a meaningful routine. Balancing her work as a therapist and her engagement in art is an ever-evolving orchestra, as she has a passion for both.

“Activated, But Stuck”: Applying A Critical Occupational Lens To Examine The Negotiation Of Long-Term Unemployment In Contemporary Socio-Political Contexts, Debbie Rudman, Rebecca Aldrich

Occupational Therapy Publications

Solutions for the problem of long-term unemployment are increasingly shaped by neoliberally-informed logics of activation and austerity. Because the implications of these governing frameworks for everyday life are not well understood, this pilot study applied a critical occupational science perspective to understand how long-term unemployment is negotiated within contemporary North American socio-political contexts. This perspective highlights the implications of policy and employment service re-configurations for the range of activities that constitute everyday life. Methods: Using a collaborative ethnographic community-engaged research approach, we recruited eight people in Canada and the United States who self-identified as experiencing long-term unemployment. We analyzed interviews …

The Experiences Of The Parents Of Children Undergoing Occupational Therapy Intervention For The Occupation Of Feeding, Michael A. Coldiron

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Occupational therapy practitioners practice under the values of client-centered care and cultural sensitivity. This valuates the role of the occupational therapy practitioner in pediatric feeding intervention pertaining to diverse diets. The problem is that there is a lack of research into the experiences of individuals who consume a diverse diet as they undergo occupational therapy intervention for the occupations of feeding and eating. The purpose of this study was to enable individuals with diverse diets to self-report these experiences. Participants were questioned on the challenges they encountered and detailed questions regarding the types of experiences they face. The study was …

Impact Of An Occupation-Based Practice (Obp) Learning Module On Perceptions Of Obp And Selection Of Occupation-Based Interventions By Occupational Therapy Assistant Students, Allen S. Keener

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

The purpose of this Capstone project was to immerse OTA students in classroom experiences designed to increase their knowledge of key concepts of occupation, OBP, and ability to select occupation-based interventions. The hypothesis of the researcher was that engagement in the module would create an increase in OTA student knowledge in the areas of occupation and OBP, as well as the ability to select occupation-based interventions based on client scenarios.

Prior to engagement in module class sessions, students engaged in pretesting activities, consisting of demographic information, a short essay, and an intervention selection task. Once completed, students participated in a …

Return To Full Duty Work: Determining The Ideal Time To Refer Occupationally Isolated Acute Low Back Pain Patients To Physical Therapy, Aletha Mae Stephenson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employees who develop and report nontraumatic acute low back pain that occurs while performing work duties, or shortly thereafter, are classified as having occupational isolated acute low back pain (OIALBP). The purpose of this project was to identify and implement an evidence- based time frame to refer occupational isolated acute low back pain patients (OIALBPPs) to physical therapy (PT) that returns them to full duty work (FDW) more quickly. The diffusion of innovation theory aided the project leader and health care providers to develop strategies to overcome barriers in implementing the project's results into the practice. A total of 932 …

Access Denied: Barriers For Unauthorized Immigrants Pursuing The American Dream, Kristin Mcmillen

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

Millions of immigrants from all around the world are living in the United States without legal authorization. Most have come in search of a better life for themselves or their children, with the belief that through enough hard work, they can achieve the “American Dream.” However, upon arrival, many unauthorized immigrants face cultural, economic, and political barriers that limit their opportunities for community participation and lead many individuals to live their lives in fear. This paper aims to: (a) explore the barriers encountered by unauthorized immigrants in the United States; (b) consider the occupational significance of these barriers; and (c) …

Self Regulation Through Art And Chocolate, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Josh Banks provided the cover art for the spring 2015 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. The cover art is titled “Birthday Party” because the piece resembles images involved in a birthday party: multi-colored balloons, napkins, cakes, and icing. Josh created the piece using oil crayons on watercolor paper. Josh is sensory seeking and has difficulty using various types of materials, which include crayons, street chalk, and markers. After much experimentation, Josh is able to use nibs, a type of marker that does not have a cap. Josh is able to sit for 5-10 minute periods and …

Embracing Creativity In Occupational Therapy, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Jen Gash, an occupational therapist and creativity coach living in the UK, provided the cover art for the winter 2015 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. The picture is titled “Over the Exe.” Jen uses her inspiration of the Kawa River model in this painting. The painting is of her husband and daughter standing where the river meets the sea. This is a metaphoric representation of rejoining the greater collective. In addition, Jen has a passion for occupational therapists to encompass creativity. A core aspect of occupational therapy is the multi-dimensional concept of occupations; it allows for …

Relationships Among Occupation/Activity Patterns, Health And Stress Perceptions, And Life Orientation In Well Adults, Barbara Prudhomme White, Amy Ma, Deborah Whitney

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This study examined the relationships among activity choices, perceived health, stress, and life orientation (optimism-pessimism) in a general population of 675 healthy adults ranging in age from 18-91 years. The objective was to examine assumptions that occupational scientists and practitioners hold regarding the relationships among health factors and engagement in activities/occupations.

Method: The study used four self-report measures, including a customized activity card sort that asked participants about both healthy and unhealthy activity patterns. Responses were then compared with the participants’ perceptions of overall health, stress levels, and degrees of optimism and pessimism (life orientation).

Results: Major findings confirmed …

How Not Being Able To Drive Can Affect Routines And Occupations Related To Transportation, Stedmon Deon Hopkins

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how individuals who have experienced a TBI described the effects not being able to drive has on their routines and occupations related to transportation. Two participants were interviewed, using a semi-structured interview protocol, about their participation in daily routines and occupations related to driving cessation after experiencing a TBI. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Data was analyzed by coding significant phrases, grouping the codes into categories, and generating descriptions of the participants' perceptions. Member checks were performed for trustworthiness. After analyzing the data, four themes emerged. The themes were; hoping to …

Letter From The Editor: Let’S Talk About Function, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

The First Ten Years: A Descriptive Analysis Of Presentation Abstracts Of The Sso: Usa, 2002 To 2011, Amanda Schneider

Online Theses and Dissertations

This mixed methods study of the first ten years of presentations at the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA (SSO: USA) yields important information about the development of occupational science as a disciplinary body of knowledge. A descriptive, quantitative analysis of the abstracts of peer-reviewed presentations at the first ten annual meetings of the SSO:USA was separately and then collaboratively completed by a group of three researchers. This ten-year study used descriptive statistics with an ex-post facto design to portray research trends in occupational science over the first ten years of the Society. Implications of the study for the …

Art In Occupational Therapy: An Introduction To Occupation And The Artist, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Of Occupation-Based Practice In Upper Extremity Intervention - A Pilot Study, Amy Ma

Honors Theses and Capstones

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which therapists focused on functional occupation-based performance in both assessments and goals, and whether this was related to client satisfaction and perceived self-efficacy. Researchers found that while most therapists demonstrated inconsistent occupation-based practices, therapists were most occupation-focused during goal writing and in their clinical reasoning. Results also suggest that clients responded well to client-centered practices.

Art As Occupation: A Phenomenological Study Of Art As A Means Of Self-Expression For An Individual Recovering From Severe Physical, Sexual, And Ritual Abuse, Raina Kay Remole

Online Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study presents an in-depth exploration of one individual's retrospective account of using art over approximately ten years in Occupational Therapy (OT) intervention while recovering from severe abuse with a diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). After an extensive literature review, the qualitative data was gathered during thorough semi-structured interviews using conference calls and correspondence through e-mail with the participant. Data analysis involved horizontalization of narrative data resulting in the dissemination of meaning units. From these a textual and structural description of the participant's individual experience emerged through self-reflection and discussion of meaning units with the participant and outside …