Occupations and well-being: a study of personal projects

Relationships between executive functions and occupational performance of children with medulloblastoma

Introduction

This study examines executive functions and occupational performances of children with medulloblastoma and children with typical development. The aim was to compare the executive function and occupational performance levels of children with medulloblastoma and children with typical development and to investigate the relationship between the executive function and occupational performance levels of children with medulloblastoma.

Method

Parents of 105 children (6–12 years) completed the Childhood Executive Function Inventory. A total of 105 children were administered the Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement to obtain information on occupational performance areas. Executive functions and occupational performance levels of children with medulloblastoma ( n = 52) and typical development ( n = 53) were compared. Correlation analysis was conducted between the executive functions and occupational performances of children with medulloblastoma.

Results

Executive function and occupational performance levels of children with medulloblastoma were lower than those with typical development. Significant relationships were found between the executive functions and occupational performances of children with medulloblastoma ( p < 0.05, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

It is clear that the executive functions of children with medulloblastoma significantly affect their occupational performance level. Client-centered, occupation-oriented cognitive therapy interventions prepared according to occupational therapy theories and models might be useful to increase the occupational performance level of children with medulloblastoma.

Predicting Suicidal Ideation in Adolescent Boys and Girls: The Role of Psychological Maturity, Personality Traits, Depression and Life Satisfaction

In recent years, suicide rates have increased in adolescents and the young population, so these age groups are considered as populations at risk. Considering that suicidal ideation is the first sign of possible future suicide behavior, the objective of this study is to determine the relative importance of psychological maturity, personality, depression and life satisfaction in predicting suicidal ideation in adolescents. Results show that depressive symptoms is the variable that best predicts suicidal ideation, but psychological maturity, life satisfaction and emotional stability are predictors as well (R2 = .51, p < .001). However, the Multigroup Structural Equation Models analyses carried out show that emotional stability has an indirect relationship with suicidal ideation, through its relationship with depressive symptoms, life satisfaction and identity. Two Multigroup Structural Equation Models were proposed to better understand the relationships between these variables for each sex. The results show that the fit of the model that includes the variable Self-reliance is better for boys than for girls (chi-square contributions of 8.175 for girls and 1.978 for boys) unlike the other model (chi-square contributions of 0.288 for girls and 1.650 for boys). These results suggest that the psychological maturity subscale Self-reliance play a role in suicidal ideation in males but not in females. Although there have been no previous studies on the role of psychological maturity as a predictor of suicidal phenomena, the current study suggests that it is a feature to be considered in the prediction of adolescent suicidal ideation.

Making meaning around experiences in interventions: identifying meaningfulness in a group-based occupational therapy intervention targeting older people

There is a need to understand the underlying mechanisms at work within health promotion and occupational therapy interventions. The aim of this article was, therefore, to explore and describe how the participants of a group-based occupational therapy intervention with positive health outcomes created meaning of and around their experiences of the intervention. The studied intervention was part of the evaluation of a single-blinded, exploratory randomised controlled trial of three different interventions. A total of 19 participants between 77 and 82 years of age with experiences from the group-based intervention were interviewed, and the transcribed interviews were analysed from a constructivist approach. The results showed five different perspectives of meaning, including enjoyment, usefulness, togetherness, respect for individuality and self-reflection. Based on our findings, we argue that the possibility of getting information, sharing with others and having fun, and the ability to adjust the activities in the intervention so that they met the individual's needs, created meaning for the participants. Moreover, meeting with others supported the participants’ perspectives of themselves. The results are discussed in relation to the pervasive discourse of successful ageing, including how it was present but also challenged within the participants’ accounts of the intervention.

Occupational Deprivation: Global Challenge in the New Millennium

Occupational deprivation is a relatively new term which describes a state in which people are precluded from opportunities to engage in occupations of meaning due to factors outside their control. As we face the new millennium, it seems likely that, due to widespread social and economic change as well as increasing civil unrest, occupational deprivation will be experienced by increasing numbers of people globally.

This article describes the conceptual origins of occupational deprivation, presents definitions of the term and discusses specific populations that may be vulnerable to being occupationally deprived. Global, contextual issues of economic reform and technological advances are addressed with specific reference to these populations. Finally, consideration is given as to how an understanding of occupational deprivation is of relevance to occupational therapy and its concern with social and occupational justice.

Favorite Activity Interview as a Window into the Identity of People with Parkinson's Disease

The purpose of this study was to document the degree to which a brief segment of an occupational therapy interview about favorite activities served as a window into personal identity and experience in clients with Parkinson's disease. Two-minute segments of videotaped interviews of 12 participants with Parkinson's disease were transcribed and analyzed. A verbal content measure was developed, its reliability tested, and its items correlated with participants' self-rated personality and mood. Overall, the inter-rater reliability for this verbal content measure was acceptably high, and many expected associations between participant verbal content and participant identity as related to personality and mood were found. The results tentatively suggest that the client's discussion of favorite activity participation, as well as the tone and frequency of the client's verbal communication, can provide insight into the identity of the client, and this information is available to the practitioner even for clients who have difficulty expressing their identities nonverbally. This exploratory study establishes a foundation for further research in the area of identity expression through verbal content in individuals with diminished nonverbal expressiveness.

Interdisciplinary residential treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury: effects on symptom severity and occupational performance and satisfaction

OBJECTIVE. This study examined outcomes of an 8-wk residential treatment program for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHOD. Twenty-six veterans completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-2nd Edition, and PTSD Checklist before and after treatment. RESULTS. Veterans demonstrated significant improvements in occupational performance and satisfaction with their performance, as well as in PTSD and depression symptom severity after residential PTSD/TBI treatment. Additionally, improvements in occupational performance and satisfaction were associated with decreases in depression symptom severity. CONCLUSION. Although preliminary, results suggest that veterans with PTSD and a history of TBI experienced significant decreases in PTSD and depression symptom severity and improvement in self-perception of performance and satisfaction in problematic occupational areas. Changes in occupational areas and depression symptom severity were related, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary treatment.

Connecting learners: The role of biotechnology programme in preparing students for the industry

The recent growth of biotechnology requires a wide range of expertise within the industry. Education is the primary platform for students to gain information and knowledge on biotechnology. In Malaysia where biotechnology is relatively new, education programs and courses must be tailored to meet the demands of the industry. A combination of theoretical knowledge as well as practical and industrial training is essential to ensure graduates are prepared for their career in the fields of biotechnology. Results from this study show that university students lack literacy on biotechnology information and access to facilities provided by the universities. This may be a significant contributing factor to the lack of knowledge and information amongst graduates. Furthermore comparative analysis on the biotechnology program in Malaysian universities with that of other countries show the need to restructure the program by offering more specialized courses as well as soft skills and business subjects. This is to meet the demands of the related professionals as well as the various branches that exist in the biotechnology industry.

Personal Projects Analysis in occupational therapy research: A scoping review

Introduction

Personal Projects Analysis has been used in occupational therapy research to better understand occupation. The purpose of this scoping review is to describe Personal Projects Analysis and examine how it has been used in occupational therapy research.

Method

Occupational therapy studies using Personal Projects Analysis were identified and described in terms of sample, research question, design, use of Personal Projects Analysis, and results.

Findings

Fifteen studies in which Personal Projects Analysis was used in occupational therapy research were retrieved. Three of the four Personal Projects Analysis modules have been used in occupational therapy research on project characteristics and subjective well-being, types of projects affected by health problems, and occupational balance. Only one paper described a clinical use of Personal Projects Analysis in occupational therapy.

Conclusion

Personal Projects Analysis is a useful evaluation for occupational therapy research and a potential tool for practice.

A consensus definition of occupation-based intervention from a Malaysian perspective: A Delphi study

Introduction

Descriptions and definitions for occupation-based intervention vary in the literature. Occupation-based intervention is assumed to be based on occupation and is seen as both a means and an end. Occupation-based intervention also includes all levels of interventions in occupational therapy as long as the goal is occupational performance. Occupation-based intervention can also be described as a therapeutic process that emerges during the therapy session. The purpose of this study was to achieve a consensus definition of occupation-based intervention among Malaysian occupational therapists.

Method

A three-round Delphi technique using a sequential questionnaire was conducted. Fifteen occupational therapists and occupational therapy educators completed all rounds. The Delphi process began with open-ended questions, asking the participants some questions about occupation-based intervention. The second and third rounds asked participants to rank their agreement with statements about occupation-based intervention.

Results

Occupation-based intervention is seen by therapists to be both a means and an end, with occupational performance as the main outcome. It is believed that using occupation alone is not enough; preparatory and purposeful methods may have to be incorporated to achieve the outcomes.

Conclusion

It is important to adopt a common definition of occupation-based intervention in practice and education to signify occupation at the centre of occupational therapy.

Occupations and personal projects: A comparison of the concepts

Introduction

The concept of personal projects has been used in occupational therapy research to understand occupation better. However, no clear distinction has been made between personal projects and occupations. An argumentative review was carried out to determine if the concepts of occupation, as outlined in the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement and the Person Environment Occupation Model and personal projects are interchangeable.

Method

Definitions of each concept and seven points of comparison were identified through reading and discussion of key material related to: framework and origins; association with health and well-being; consideration of the environment; individualized and self-directed nature; consideration of aspects of the person; categories; and balance.

Findings

Occupation and personal projects represent similar concepts when they refer to concrete and time-limited activities. More abstract and extended personal projects may be broken down into more concrete, shorter-term occupations. Differences were noted with respect to consideration of the environment, aspects of the person, categories and balance.

Conclusion

Differences in the way the environment, aspects of the person, categories and balance are considered in personal projects may provide helpful insights for occupational therapists as they attempt to practice in a client-centered, strengths-based manner with a focus on occupation.

A longitudinal case-control study on goals in adolescents with cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study examined whether: (1) the goals of adolescents with cancer at 3 months post-diagnosis (T1) and healthy peers differed in terms of content, valuation, and abstraction level, (2) the content, valuation and abstraction level of the goals of the adolescents with cancer differed between 3 and 12 months post-diagnosis (T2).

METHODS

Thirty-three adolescents with cancer and 66 matched controls completed the Personal Project Analysis Inventory. After nine months, the adolescents with cancer completed the measure again.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, adolescents with cancer at 3 months post-diagnosis (T1) reported more intrinsic than extrinsic goals, appraised intrinsic goals as more important than extrinsic goals and reported more concrete goals. Within the adolescents with cancer, the content, valuation and abstraction level of the goals did not differ between T1 and T2.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents recently diagnosed with cancer set different types of goals than healthy peers and continue to set these types of goals until one year post-diagnosis. Future research can help determine how the personal goals of adolescents with cancer develop in the long term and to what extent personal goal setting during cancer influences the attainment of age-graded developmental tasks and well-being.

The importance for daily occupations of perceiving good health: Perceptions among women with rheumatic diseases

OBJECTIVE

The purpose was to describe and characterize what women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) perceive as important in considering the performance of daily occupations to perceive good health.

METHODS

By using a phenomenographic research approach with semi-structured interviews with nine women between the ages of 42 and 65 the core category "Being able to be as active as possible in daily occupations" emerged.

RESULTS

The women's repertoire of daily occupations had changed as the years had passed. To perceive good health the women expressed the importance of continuing to be active and to perform occupations as independently as possible despite their chronic rheumatic diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

By adapting to their level of physical function and strength and by compensation with assistive devices, selecting adjusted environment, and by getting support from others, the women perceived good health. The results also suggested that training in different ways, medical treatment, and rheumatologic team care were related to increased performance of daily occupations and the perceptions of good health.

Measuring Occupational Balance: A Theoretical Exploration of Two Approaches

Background. Occupational balance is a fundamental yet complex concept in occupational therapy requiring empirical study.Purpose. To advance the theoretical discussion of occupational balance, its measurement and relationship to well-being.Methods. In part one of this 2-phase study, 122 adults completed a bipolar measure of occupational balance, the Cross Impact Matrix (CIM) of the Personal Project Analysis and two well-being measures: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and Positive and Negative Affect Scales (PANAS). In part two, 24 adults completed the Inter-goal Relations Questionnaire (IRQ), a unipolar measure of occupational balance (harmony) and imbalance (conflict), plus the SWLS and PANAS.Findings. Neither the CIM scores nor IRQ occupational balance/harmony were associated with well-being whereas the IRQ occupational imbalance/conflict was significantly associated with SWLS.Implications. Dimensions of occupational balance (conflict and harmony) may be best measured separately. To promote well-being attention can be given to reducing conflict across occupations.

Changes in activity and interest in the third and fourth age: associations with health, functioning and depressive symptoms

This study examines the changes in activity investment among older adults and the role of these changes in the relationship between health limitations and depression. Residents of six senior living facilities (N = 178) completed questionnaires including the Geriatric Depression Scale, health and functioning measures and the Revised Change in Activity and Interest Index (CAII-R) which measures self-perceived changes in the level of investment in social and leisure activities among older adults. Respondents indicated more disengagement from CAII-R subscales Active Instrumental (AI) and Active Social (AS) and increased engagement in Passive Social Spiritual. Fourth Age adults (age 80+) reported greater reductions in AI than Third Age adults (age 64-79). Reduced AS investment had the strongest association with depression and mediated the relationship between poor health or functioning and depression. These categories of activity may guide occupational therapy practitioners and other health providers in selecting the focus of intervention for older clients according to their identified life stage. The study provides evidence of distinct differences in interests within the parameters of normal aging and a baseline from which to assess the impact of illness and disability on the activity choices for clients in different life stages.

Factor Structure, Reliability and Convergent Validity of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey for Older Adults

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS) (Goldberg, Brintnell, & Goldberg, 2002) in a sample of older adults living in the greater Los Angeles area. The EMAS evidenced moderate test-retest reliability (r = .56) and good internal consistency (α = .89). Exploratory factor analysis (principal components) discerned a two-component structure within the EMAS, indicative of Personal-Competence and Social-Experiential meaning. The EMAS demonstrated theoretically predicted zero-order correlations with measures of meaning and purpose in life, depressive symptomology, life satisfaction, and health-related quality of life. Regression analyses discerned that purpose and meaning in life consistently predicted the EMAS and its components. Furthermore, persons reporting greater levels of Social-Experiential relative to Personal-Competence meaning had the lowest levels of physical health-related quality of life. This study offers initial evidence in support of the EMAS as a valid measure of meaningful activity in older adults.

Conceptual and practical issues in qualitative research: Reflections on a life-history study

Although qualitative research is becoming increasingly popular as a means of understanding not only occupation but also a range of other human health-related phenomena, the complex conceptual underpinnings of the paradigm remain relatively unexplored in the literature. This article addresses such a perceived gap. Context specificity, emic perspectives, its iterative nature, and power relations are four distinct conceptual dimensions of qualitative research that are discussed. The article also includes reflections on conceptual dimensions and practical issues in relation to a qualitative study that adopted a life history approach. These reflections highlight how the conceptual dimensions underpinning qualitative research guide the process in life-history research and shape the experience of life-history researchers. The practical considerations, which focus on participant qualities, effects on the researcher and the participant-researcher relationship, are particularly relevant for potential life-history researchers. The article concludes with a discussion on the value of life-history as a qualitative research approach for occupational therapy and occupational science.

Using personal projects to enhance students' first-person understanding of occupations

A semester-long assignment was developed to emphasize occupational therapy students' real-life, first-person experience in establishing, modifying, and sustaining occupations. The overall goal of the assignment was to help students integrate core content on occupation, habits, and client-centered intervention within the context of ongoing, lived, personal experience. By pursuing their own personal projects, occupational therapy students developed, modified, or ceased occupations in their real-life context. This opportunity for students to experience as client was successful at illuminating in a very real way, the challenges, responsibilities and obligations that they will encounter as they learn to think like a therapist.

Surgeons and cognitive processes

BACKGROUND

The surgical mind is geared to make important decisions and perform highly skilled tasks. The aim of this review is to explore the cognitive processes that link these actions.

METHODS

The core of this review is derived from a literature search of a computer database (Medline).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The surgical image is one of action. However, the effective performance of surgery requires more than mere manual dexterity and it is evident that competent surgeons exhibit the cognitive traits that are held by all experts. The changes that are occurring in surgery indicate a need to place greater emphasis on the cognitive processes that underpin the practice of surgery. It is important that surgeons do not become victims of their own cult image.

The meaning and form of occupational therapy as experienced by women with psychoses. A phenomenological study

The meaning and form of occupational therapy as experienced by women with psychoses: a phenomenological study The aim of this study was to illuminate the experiences of occupational therapy interventions in individuals with psychoses. Repeated tape-recorded narrative interviews were conducted with six women participating in occupational therapy immediately after an intervention. The subsequent analyses followed a phenomenological approach. Key constituents integrated in two structures, are the main findings. The meaning of occupational therapy as expressed in the key constituents relief, self-knowledge, belief in the future, capability, resistance and satisfaction formed one structure. The form of occupational therapy as expressed in the key constituents time, environment, guidance, voluntariness and collaboration represented the other structure. These findings confirm and give empirical support to beliefs and assumptions expressed in occupational therapy literature. The results form a conceptual base for developing an evaluative assessment instrument for individuals with psychoses participating in occupational therapy.