Imbuing Occupations with Spiritual Significance Fosters Experiences of Hope

Abstract

In theories of occupational therapy, occupation serves as a conduit for creating meaning and well-being. A crucial component of occupational therapy is developing and maintaining hope of clients during periods of major difficulty. Understanding the relationship between hope and occupation can prove helpful in stressful situations, such as caring for children with chronic illnesses. The aim of the present study was to identify occupations that foster experiences of hope among mothers of adult children with mental illness. A qualitative approach, informed by a constructivist framework and thematic analysis, was used to interpret and explicate relevant occupation-related themes that fostered hope in four mothers. The mother-participants reported engaging in various occupations, yet only occupations that were imbued with spiritual significance fostered experiences of hope. This study brings to the forefront of occupational therapy discourse the issue of spiritual connectedness as a potential link between occupations and hope.

Spirituality in Occupational Therapy Practice: Where is Our Spirituality Now?

“…The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) understands the importance of spirituality and recognizes it as a client factor that can influence clients’ ability to cope, rehabilitate, connect with others, find meaning (Humbert, 2016), and hope (Redlich Amirav et al, 2021). Within the latest Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process-Fourth Edition , spirituality is defined as “a deep experience of meaning brought about by engaging in occupations that involve the enacting of personal values and beliefs, reflection, and intention within a supportive contextual environment” (AOTA, 2020, p.15).…”