bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early intervention services in daily family life: mothers' perceptions of ‘ideal’ versus ‘actual’ service provision
Authors: Thompson Kirsty M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAlthough the occupational therapy and early intervention literature espouses a family‐centred approach to intervention, families have rarely been asked about their experiences of these services. This paper describes a qualitative study that aimed to identify and explore parents' perceptions of occupational therapy services and the impact of these services in their daily family life. Ten mothers of children (aged 0–6 years) with disabilities and high support needs completed questionnaires and semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews. Analysis revealed that mothers thought in terms of early intervention services in general, rather than in terms of occupational therapy specifically. Mothers used early intervention services primarily to enhance their child's abilities, while considering what was best for their family and, as a lesser priority, themselves. Ideally, relaxed and friendly service providers were perceived as having a greater insight into daily family life, and therefore a greater capacity to provide services to meet family needs (e.g., flexible, home‐based services). However, the mothers in this study did not experience many ‘ideal’ characteristics of services and service providers, suggesting that changes are needed in occupational therapy practice and in the education of therapists. Implications for occupational therapy education and practice are discussed in the context of the family‐centred literature, and recommendations are made for future research with families. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The effects of electronic music‐making as a therapeutic activity for improving upper extremity active range of motion
Authors: Paul Stanley , Ramsey David 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe use of occupation to enhance function has been the major principle of the occupational therapy profession. Literature shows that added‐purpose occupations elicit better sensorimotor performance than single‐purpose and rote exercise conditions. Added‐purpose conditions also enhance the motivation and the participation level of individuals. This study examined music‐making activity as a form of occupational embedded exercise to evaluate its effect on improving active shoulder flexion and elbow extension in individuals with hemiplegia. A pre‐test–post‐test control group design involving 10 participants each in experimental and control groups was used. Results showed no statistically significant improvements in shoulder flexion and elbow extension between the experimental and control groups. However, the intervention showed clinical significance in the form of a considerable increase in active shoulder and elbow range in the experimental group. The small sample size and lack of data on control group participants' degree of immobility and other activities might have influenced the study results. Further studies evaluating activities of daily living, work and leisure occupations and their effect on various sensorimotor components are recommended. Also, a larger sample could reduce the probability of a type II error. The results of this study support the occupational therapy principle of preventing disability, improving human performance and maintaining health through meaningful occupation. It also adds accountability to our services by way of showing the efficacy of our treatment. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Neuro‐occupation and the management of chronic pain through mindfulness meditation
Authors: Walloch Christy L. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractNeuro‐occupation is an evolving concept in occupational therapy that focuses on the interdependent, dynamic and reciprocal relationship between the nervous system and occupational performance. Understanding neuro‐occupation is integral to designing a meaningful and effective treatment regime with a client. In this paper, an example of the practical use of neuro‐occupation is presented using the intervention of mindfulness meditation in the management of the sensory and affective dimensions of chronic pain. In order to use the neuro‐occupation framework, basic knowledge of pain neurophysiology and an understanding of how chronic pain may lead to occupational dysfunction are required. It is also necessary to comprehend mindfulness meditation, the physiological changes that occur during the practice of mindfulness meditation and the relationship between these physiological changes and the reduction of pain perception. A discussion of the aforementioned is therefore supplied. A hypothetical case study of a young man suffering from chronic pain that results in occupational dysfunction is presented to help clarify how the concept of neuro‐occupation is used to guide treatment that may assist in the reconstruction of one's life goals and the performance of meaningful occupations. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Sensory integrative techniques applied to children with learning disabilities: an outcome study
Authors: Stonefelt Laurie L. , Stein Franklin 
Published: March 2006

AbstractLearning disabilities are the most frequently reported causes of functional limitation among school‐age children (McNeil, 1995). Many children with learning disabilities have an underlying sensory integrative dysfunction (Hoehn and Baumeister, 1994); therefore, sensory integration therapy has been widely used in treating those children. Research on the effectiveness of sensory integration therapy in treating children with learning disabilities has shown conflicting results; many studies supported the use of sensory integration therapy, whereas others did not. Most of the literature indicates a need for further study in this area. The current study focused on the effectiveness of sensory integration therapy in treating children with learning disabilities, as perceived by their parents, teachers and occupational therapists. Thirty surveys were sent to participants in the Midwest: 10 each to parents, teachers and occupational therapists. Twenty‐three surveys were returned, giving a response rate of 77%. Most of the respondents identified that sensory integration therapy was extremely or somewhat effective in helping the children improve function in 12 skill areas. All parents reported doing activities in the home to help their child and all teachers reported making adaptations in the classroom to better accommodate the child. The sensory integrative techniques most frequently used by the therapists were linear activities, tactile stimulation, games and jumping/bouncing. Seven of the therapists reported using another treatment method in addition to sensory integration. These seven noted that a combination of treatments, a multimodel approach, was more effective than sensory integration alone. This study was consistent with previous research showing that sensory integration is an effective treatment method for children with learning disabilities. However, further research is needed using prospective designs involving single‐subject or group studies where extraneous variables are rigorously controlled. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Investigation of tactile defensiveness and self‐esteem in typically developing children
Authors: Stephens Cynthia Lee , Royeen Charlotte Brasic 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between tactile defensiveness and self‐esteem in typical children attending a state school. Thirty‐two children aged 8–11 were administered the Touch Inventory for Elementary School Aged Children to measure tactile defensiveness, and the Piers Harris Self Concept Scale to measure self‐esteem. A Spearman rank order correlation coefficient revealed a negative correlation (−0.429) which was statistically significant (p=0.014). These findings suggest that there is an inverse relationship between self‐esteem and behaviours associated with tactile defensiveness in elementary‐school‐aged children. Continued research in this area is recommended. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Theoretical bases of Mosey's group interaction skills
Authors: Donohue Mary V 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe primary purpose of this article is to review and analyse the theoretical foundations of Mosey's concepts of five levels of group interaction skill development: parallel, project, egocentric cooperative, cooperative and mature group levels. The organization and synthesis of these conceptual levels of group interaction skills are developed into a schema for validating Mosey's concepts and associated ages. The literature includes 25 years of publication of Mosey's concepts. Approaches to content, construct and criterion validity methods of examination of group interaction skill concepts are reviewed. Empirical methods for future validity studies of the tool are proposed. Three new assumptions regarding the relationship of factors of group interaction skill are presented: (1) most people function at two levels of developmental group interaction; (2) there is a relationship between the nature of the activity and the level of function; (3) adults function at lower developmental levels of group interaction if the activity requires it. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – an occupational therapy programme
Authors: Cox Diane L 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is as yet undetermined; therefore, precise definitions for diagnosis and research have been developed. The most accepted diagnostic criteria are detailed below. It has been suggested that there are 150 000 cases of CFS in the UK, with a 2:1 predominance of females to males, and that prognosis without treatment is poor. The patterns of illness seen in CFS are identified and the development of an occupational therapy programme for the management of CFS is described. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Assisted suicide and its implications for occupational therapy
Authors: Royeen Matin , Crabtree Jeffrey L 
Published: March 2006

AbstractMany people's lives have been extended by the miracles of modern medicine and technology. However, although the use of these new technologies and drugs may keep people alive longer, the question arises about the quality of that extended life. This paper reviews one physician's apparent preoccupation with assisted suicide in order to introduce the controversy regarding the ethical, moral and legal implications of physician‐assisted suicide in the USA. We discuss the arguments in favour of and against assisted suicide in the context of quality of life, individual autonomy versus communal responsibility, and professional autonomy. Occupational therapy, in particular, may be ethically challenged since one can argue that its aim is to help people lead a meaningful and purposeful life despite severe performance deficits. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Occupation: construct validity and empirical testing of predicting factors in an ageing population
Authors: Iwarsson Susanne , Samuelsson Gillis , Hagberg Bo 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe models and theories of occupational therapy and occupational science to a great extent lack empirical support. We need an increased understanding of the construct of occupation and its predicting factors. The objectives of this study were to explore the construct of occupation in an ageing population, and to test the construct's relationships with underlying performance components and environmental influences. Applying a post hoc design to a comprehensive data set from a general population cohort, the Latent Variable Path Analysis with Partial Least Squares estimation procedure (LVPLS) was used for reiterative modelling, using a hypothesized model founded in the rehabilitation context as the starting point. A household and work‐related occupation variable was verified, and an acceptable model established. The results indicate that the construct of occupation can be explored with the LVPLS method, but the construct is complex and can only partly be subjected to empirical testing with a quantitative approach. The results demonstrate the feasibility of establishing a model based on general population data, maintaining the main structures of a model founded in the rehabilitation context. Empirical studies of the factors predicting occupation are valuable in order to develop and strengthen our theoretical models and taxonomies. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Students with disabilities in post‐secondary education: the perspectives of wheelchair users
Authors: Paul Stanley 
Published: March 2006

AbstractChanges in higher education in the United States usually occur in response to societal attitudes and social and legislative policies. Over the past 15 years, post‐secondary institutions have experienced a significant increase in the enrolment of students with disabilities, a trend that has resulted in more wheelchair users in colleges and universities. Wheelchair users have unique problems among students with disabilities because of the presence of physical barriers in university environments and some negative attitudinal barriers. In this study, the university life experience of six students with disabilities, who used a wheelchair to attend school, was explored. A qualitative methodology involving one‐on‐one interviews was used with two undergraduate and four postgraduate students attending a large urban university. The interview sessions were analysed and the data coded into descriptive themes. The six major themes were: what college education means to us; making choices; personal support network; institutional responsibility; university community; and self‐promotion–a much‐needed business tool. ‘Experience is a wholesome process’ had emerged as a meta‐theme connecting all six themes together into describing the student educational experience. The data obtained describe university life from the perspective of these participants. Barriers to participating in university life are identified and facilitating factors for satisfactory university life are explored. Further research is recommended to understand the factors in a university environment that prevent students who are disabled and use a wheelchair from succeeding. A few suggestions recommended by the researcher are: rural and suburban institutions could be studied separately; studies could be done exclusively with undergraduate or postgraduate students; separate studies should be done with students with different disability categories and disability levels; the support network could be included in the data collection. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Effects of trauma on children: occupational therapy to support recovery
Authors: Davis Janis 
Published: March 2006

AbstractEach year millions of the world's children witness, are victimized by or participate in traumatic events, placing them at risk for developing post‐traumatic stress disorder. If this disorder is left untreated, a child's developmental trajectory can be compromised. Occupational therapists are in key positions to recognize the signs and symptoms of post‐traumatic stress in children that interfere with functioning. Expressive therapies, long used in occupational therapy practice, are well suited to help children achieve an adaptive response to trauma. Two brief case studies are presented, describing the application of occupational therapy using expressive media with children who experienced post‐traumatic stress disorders. The results of this preliminary investigation suggest that occupational therapists working in early intervention programmes can be helpful in identifying children in need and in providing treatment based on expressive therapies, stress management and cognitive‐behavioural modalities. Further research is recommended to examine the efficacy of different occupational therapy frames of reference in treating children with post‐traumatic stress disorder. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Inappropriate client sexual behaviour in occupational therapy
Authors: Schneider Julie , Weerakoon Patricia , Heard Rob 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence and nature of inappropriate client sexual behaviour (ICSB) in occupational therapy practice in New South Wales, Australia. The effects of ICSB on therapists, and the perception of it as sexual harassment, as well as responses to ICSB were also explored. A self‐administered questionnaire was mailed to a random stratified sample of occupational therapists. Results indicate that ICSB, although often not perceived as sexual harassment, does occur in occupational therapy practice. About half of the therapists exposed to ICSB reported negative consequences, primarily negative effects on work performance and psychological stress. Commonly, therapists responded to an incident of ICSB by discussing it with the client, although many chose to ignore it. Most respondents attribute the behaviour to pathological disease‐oriented factors. This area of occupational therapy practice requires further research, particularly in terms of factors that influence the prevalence and perception of the behaviour. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The relationship between sensory defensiveness, anxiety, depression and perception of pain in adults
Authors: Kinnealey Moya , Fuiek Margo 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe impact of sensory defensiveness on performance, behaviour and adjustment of children has been addressed in the literature, but little has been written concerning its impact on adults. The purpose of this study was to explore whether sensory‐defensive adults had more symptoms of anxiety, depression and pain than adults without sensory defensiveness. Participants were 32 volunteers who were normal functioning adults aged 21 to 48 years, without physical or psychological diagnoses or history of abuse. They were screened to eliminate persons with undiagnosed psychological problems using the Forty‐eight Item Counseling Evaluation. Participants were assigned to a sensory‐defensive or non‐sensory‐defensive group based on their score on the ADULT‐SI, a sensory history interview, which assesses sensory defensiveness in adults. The two groups were matched for age, gender and race. Participants were then administered the IPAT Anxiety Scale, the IPAT Depression Scale and the Pain Apperception Test. Differences were found between sensory‐defensive and non‐defensive adults in anxiety (p=0.014) and depression (p=0.019), but not in pain perception. Analysis of the screening scores of the Forty‐eight Item Counseling Evaluation indicated an unexpected difference between groups in psychological adjustment (p=0.005). This study supports clinical impressions that sensory‐defensive adults differ from non‐defensive adults in some psychological parameters. A sequela of sensory defensiveness in adults may be a tendency towards increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Further, investigation of sensory defensiveness and its sequelae in adults is recommended, using larger samples, more sensitive tools and various diagnostic categories. Exploration of the impact of sensory defensiveness on adult roles and performance and life satisfaction is also recommended. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Meaningful occupation for occupational therapy students: a student‐centred curriculum
Authors: Salvatori Penny 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe need for meaningful occupation in various roles throughout the lifespan is central to the philosophy of occupational therapy. Client‐centred practice is another core concept that occupational therapists embrace; however, the use of such an approach when interacting with occupational therapy students as ‘clients’ is not evident in the occupational therapy literature. The purpose of this descriptive paper is to compare the principles of client‐centred practice and student‐centred learning and to describe how the occupational therapy programme at McMaster University in Canada has designed, organized and implemented a student‐centred, problem‐based curriculum. The educational research literature provides evidence that learning in such a curriculum is not only more enjoyable for students but also achieves positive outcomes in terms of self‐directed learning, transfer of learning to clinical practice and long‐term retention of knowledge. Feedback from McMaster students suggests that they are well prepared for professional practice and very satisfied with their education. It is concluded that learning in a student‐centred, problem‐based curriculum constitutes ‘meaningful occupation’ for occupational therapy students and is more consistent with principles of client‐centred practice than traditional, lecture‐based educational approaches. Although further research is needed, specifically in the field of occupational therapy education, occupational therapy educators throughout the world are encouraged to apply the values and beliefs that they espouse as occupational therapists and take up the challenge of providing more meaningful occupation for their students. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A cooperative inquiry study to identify strategies for group supervision in occupational therapy fieldwork placements
Authors: Mason Linda 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify effective strategies for supervising small groups of second‐year students in an occupational therapy fieldwork programme based on a collaborative group model. Contemporary models for fieldwork education over the past decade have involved more placements for students working in peer groups, to address the shortage of fieldwork placements and to create opportunities for students to work in a team environment. Discussion about these fieldwork options has focused on the perceived value of the programmes rather than on the processes used for supervising students in groups. The research methodology chosen for this study was cooperative inquiry because of its congruence with the qualitative nature of group supervision and the collaborative model on which the fieldwork programme was based. Thirteen of a total of 18 occupational therapy supervisors volunteered to participate in the study. Data about supervision skills that would enhance student learning were generated through a series of experiential action cycles in the fieldwork setting, interspersed with regular peer reflection meetings. The results highlighted a range of supervision strategies such as student orientation, the facilitation of peer discussion and reflection on practice, and encouragement by the supervisor for students to use resources in the fieldwork environment and to take responsibility for their own learning. The depth of data gained from the study may have been limited owing to time constraints and other commitments of research participants. A social culture of mutual learning and support was established through the cooperative inquiry process, with potential for building ongoing relationships and participant awareness of educational innovations. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.