Occupational Performance, Self-Esteem, and Quality of Life in Substance Addictions Recovery

Abstract

A non-randomized pretest—posttest design was used to evaluate changes in occupational performance, self-esteem, and quality of life among clients completing a substance abuse recovery program that included occupational therapy services addressing life skills. Seventy-five clients participated in intake and discharge assessment (4- to 6-month interval) that used the Occupational Performance History Interview (Version 2.0), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Quality of Life Rating scale. A limited number of follow-up interviews at 3 and 6 months were also conducted. Marked improvement with significant differences and large effect sizes were found between intake and discharge scores for all measures. Most clients scored in the range of moderate occupational dysfunction at discharge, when their highest performance level was seen. Follow-up data revealed that occupational performance declined at 3 months and improved again at 6 months. Change in occupational performance is clearly reflected in the recovery process, but recovery is challenged when clients leave the supportive halfway house environment.

Effectiveness of a peer‐support community in addiction recovery: participation as intervention

“…When combined, the MOHO and the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) model are compatible in developing coping skills because self-concept and self-esteem can be seen as part of the volitional subsystem, which affects an individual's willingness to act and is tied to the issues of self-competence, mastery and self-effi cacy (Moyers, 1992;Stoffel, 1993;Kielhofner, 2002). Martin et al (2008) utilized a MOHO approach to study the outcomes of a programme utilizing occupational therapy to develop occupational performance skills in persons undergoing treatment for SUD and found signifi cant improvements and large effect size in occupational competence, occupational identity, self-esteem and quality of life. Each of these areas has an important role in the development and maintenance of recovery and is essential in a peer-supported community.…”

The Integrating Theory, Evidence and Action (ITEA) Method: A Procedure for Helping Practitioners Translate Theory and Research into Action

“…In a mixed study on body image for women recovering from alcohol abuse, Van Deusen (2000) found that while positive body image did not appear to relate to recovery, occupational patterns were consistent during prolonged recovery. Martin et al (2008) also found some consistency over time in the occupational performance, self esteem, and quality of life for people who attended life skills training from an occupational therapist. Significant improvements and large effect sizes were found for many variables over a 4-6-month period, but there was a decline for some clients at follow-up.…”

“…Two studies focused on the experience of parenting while either continuing to use substances (Knis-Matthews 2010) or in recovery (Martin et al 2008). Both used qualitative methods to explore this area, and clearly identified a role for occupational therapy in supporting people in their parenting responsibilities.…”

“…Alcohol abuse impacted on their parenting in many ways, including reducing the time and emotional resources they had to devote to parenting tasks. Martin et al (2008) concluded that a focus for occupational therapy exists in rebuilding occupational identity, routines, and performance capacity in alcohol-abusing parents as they engage in recovery. Participants in this study also stated they preferred structure in their treatment environment.…”

“…Aspects of recovery were highlighted in the final two studies, which investigated body image (Van Deusen 2000) and the impact of life skills training (Martin et al 2008), respectively. In a mixed study on body image for women recovering from alcohol abuse, Van Deusen (2000) found that while positive body image did not appear to relate to recovery, occupational patterns were consistent during prolonged recovery.…”