Occupational Adaptation: Toward a Holistic Approach for Contemporary Practice, Part 2

Abstract

This paper introduces a practice model based on the occupational adaptation frame of reference (Schkade & Schultz, 1992). The occupational adaptation practice model emphasizes the creation of a therapeutic climate, the use of occupational activity, and the importance of relative mastery. Practice based on occupational adaptation differs from treatment that focuses on acquisition of functional skills because the practice model directs occupational therapy interventions toward the patient's internal processes and how such processes are facilitated to improve occupational functioning. The occupational adaptation practice model is holistic. The patient's occupational environments (as influenced by physical, social, and cultural properties) are as important as the patient's sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning and the patient's experience of personal limitations and potential is validated. The integration of these concepts drives the treatment process. Through a description of treatment with a variety of patients, this paper presents the model's diversity and illustrates the relationship between the concepts. The occupational adaptation practice model reflects the uniqueness of occupational therapy and integrates the profession's historical practice with contemporary interventions and methods.

Achieving Balance In Everyday Life

“…The participants' valuable or personally meaningful occupations appeared to validate a sense of being able to manage and control the demands of everyday life. This is in accordance with Schultz and Schkade's (1992) assertion that meaningful occupation is the vehicle for mastery. Various research projects have given support to this proposal.…”

Relatives’ experiences of family members’ eating difficulties

“…This means that skills in setting up goals in the context of one's environment for the future can guide a person in establishing new activities and roles after a disability [20,21]. According to the model of GT, one abstract way to articulate how and why the participants construct meanings and actions in specific situations, p. 130 [13] is to interpret the relationship between the two subjects in order to reach an extended knowledge of the matter under consideration.…”

“…Another aspect is the theory of occupational adaptation [20,21], which states that preferences for activities that one is engaged in before illness are of great importance if one needs to change roles afterwards. This means that skills in setting up goals in the context of one's environment for the future can guide a person in establishing new activities and roles after a disability [20,21].…”

“…Recently, senior lecturers expanded the issue into a suite of studies with the overall aim of providing an extended view on occupation and allied synonyms, which were examined (18,19) and summarised as follows: "occupation is being directed by the character and life situation of the individual" p. 90 (18). As in a previous statement, here Polatajko highlights the actual purpose and meaning of occupation, embraced by performance that will enable OT scientists and practitioners to uncover a diversity of aspects of occupation and its relation to health and well-being (20). The following actions are given as examples of the different purposes of the chosen activities: sewing a button on a purchased shirt with the purpose of mending or designing and manufacturing a series of shirts with the objective of economic viability.…”

Community Participation Needs of Families With Children With Behavioral Disorders: A Systems of Care Approach

“…The initial activity is that of gathering data on the person's occupational environments and roles and determining which are of primary importance. Assessment by occupational therapists pulls together information on environment; person systems; and effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in performance (Schultz & Schkade, 1992). Facilitation of adaptive responses by individuals, families, systems, and communities is a unique contribution that occupational therapy can and should contribute.…”