Exploring the Nature of the Intention, Meaning and Perception Process of the Neuro‐occupation Model to Understand Adaptation to Change

Abstract

The theoretical model of neuro-occupation, intention, meaning and perception, sought to describe the symbiotic relationship between occupation and the brain, as a chaotic, self-organized, complex system. Lack of evidence has limited its applicability to practice. The aim of this study was to track the postulates of the model within the daily experiences of subjects. Structured matrices were created for content analysis, using a qualitative multiplecase-study design, typically used for testing models. An underpinning principle of the model, defined a circular causality feedback process, which was confirmed as described through tracing the repetitive processes within the lived experience of two Iranian men. The process suggested that continual adaptation occurred in lives interrupted by cerebrovascular accident, which enabled the subjects to return to expression of meaning through purposeful occupation and continually re-shaped their perceptions. The primary limitation of this study was that it was the earliest attempt to test the model and to substantiate the process by comparing the similarities and differences between too few subjects. Future research should identify the same process in more subjects and validate a practical assessment tool for clients. These findings may inform practitioners about intentional use of occupational challenges to elicit adaptive behaviours in clients.

The Neuro-Occupation Model for Occupational Therapy: A Correlation Study

“…This finding supports previous qualitative research in which the IMP concepts were presumed to have had theoretically-based relationships [7][8][9]. There are several possible explanations to be considered for this result.…”

“…Additionally, three qualitative research studies gave credence to the relationships among the IMP variables. One study compared two matched male patients with strokes, both were identified as highly resilient, whereby the findings provided evidence for the proposed relationships among the IMP variables [7]. Subsequently, a study involved comparison of a female with stroke, who demonstrated low resilience behavior, to another female with stroke who demonstrated high resilience behavior.…”

Neuro-occupation: A self-organizing approach to conflate the brain, context, and occupation

“…Further, results of the current study lend support to Champagne, Ryan, Saccomando, and Lazzarini’s (2007) case study in which a young female with symptoms of mania and alcoholism, who was unable to care for her child, was perturbed by fear of being abandoned by her 4-year-old daughter, leading to more enhanced occupational participation. Following this position, the study by Derakhshanrad et al (2016) showed that perturbations provided by social context, such as a family member, occupational therapist, or physical therapist, may have led to enhanced occupational participation in two participants who have had the lived experience of stroke.…”

The Effect of Group-Based Occupational Therapy on Performance and Satisfaction of Stroke Survivors: Pilot Trail, Neuro-Occupational View

“…(Lazzarini et al, 2004; Derakhshanrad et al, 2015). It seems that performing desired activity can affect quality of life and life satisfaction.…”

“…It shows the non-linear nature in order to justify the relationship between the nervous system and the participation of people in occupation. Neuro-occupation is interdependent relationship between brain, nervous system and intention to restore or seek meaningful occupation (Derakhshanrad et al, 2015; Gutman and Biel, 2001). …”