A psychospiritual integration frame of reference for occupational therapy. Part 1: Conceptual foundations

Abstract

This paper introduces a new clinical practice framework -the psychospiritual integration frame of reference.It opens with a broad discussion on spirituality as articulated within occupational therapy and occupational science literature, followed by a brief introduction into framework's paradigm and interdisciplinary knowledge base. A general description of the frame of reference's major constructs and principles, as well as theoretical arguments concerning order, disorder, and the model's dynamics, are presented and discussed. The psychospiritual integration frame of reference is offered as a contribution to the existing collection of practice frameworks drawn upon by occupational therapists in their day-to-day work.

Spirituality in the occupational therapy community fieldwork process: A qualitative study in the South African context

“…Similarly, the students are expected to apply the strategies of community entry, needs assessment and needs analysis so that they might address the community's needs 22,[30][31][32][33][34] . In addition, the students and community members employ the Assets Based Community Development (ABCD) strategy to map the assets around the community so that these resources may be identified and located, together with relevant organisations, with the aim of formulating networks within the communities 35,36 . Several studies have revealed that both community fieldwork education and practice seemed to omit spirituality [37][38] .…”

“…Several studies have revealed that both community fieldwork education and practice seemed to omit spirituality [37][38] . Regarding community fieldwork practice, the occupational therapy students learn to apply their knowledge and understanding of the community fieldwork process by engaging individuals and communities in planning and implementation of the community projects 27,[32][33][34][35] . Therefore, Kang 36:96 refers to the community projects as 'sociospiritual experiments' because they seem to be community-driven and aim to reclaim local culture, local economy and local ecology in a spirit of ethical living, inclusiveness and spiritual well-being for all.…”

“…Therefore, Kang 36:96 refers to the community projects as 'sociospiritual experiments' because they seem to be community-driven and aim to reclaim local culture, local economy and local ecology in a spirit of ethical living, inclusiveness and spiritual well-being for all. These community-driven projects may be used in order to facilitate collective empowerment, community participation and engagement to bring about change in communities 27,[32][33][34][35] . Despite the fact that spirituality has been widely considered as a significant element of an holistic approach in community development and occupational therapy practice, there has, however, been limited research on spirituality in the community fieldwork practice in a South African context.…”

“…Similarly, the participants indicated that the community entry enabled them to feel that they were part of the community. Drawing from previous studies, Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) is a process whereby communities build networking relationships, locating the assets, skills and capacities of citizens and local organisations, rather than focusing on their needs and deficits 3,35 . Additionally, the aim of ABCD is to help people to improve their resilience, independence and well-being by focusing on what can be done through communities working together.…”

“…The other thing is that the older adults are accepting of other people with different religions." (Fourth-year student 6) ABCD strategy encourages communities to map their capacities and resources, cohesion, religious tolerance, harmony, connectedness, participation and self-worth in order to improve health and well-being 35 . Thus, ABCD strengthens communities' sense of belonging, finding meaning and purpose in life through spirituality.…”