Occupational adaptation: toward a holistic approach for contemporary practice, Part 2

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• The occupational adaptation frame of reference (Schkade & Schultz, 1992) provides a foundation for understanding human adaptation.
• Traditional occupational therapy often focuses on functional skill acquisition, potentially overlooking internal processes and environmental influences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe a holistic occupational adaptation practice model.
• To illustrate the integration of therapeutic climate, occupational activity, and relative mastery in interventions.
• To demonstrate how this model directs interventions toward internal processes and environmental factors for improved occupational functioning.

Main Methods:

• The paper introduces a practice model based on the occupational adaptation frame of reference.
• It describes treatment with a variety of patients to illustrate the model's application and diversity.
• The model's core concepts—therapeutic climate, occupational activity, and relative mastery—are explained.

Main Results:

• The occupational adaptation practice model is presented as a holistic approach.
• Interventions are directed toward patients' internal processes and occupational environments.
• The model integrates sensorimotor, cognitive, psychosocial functioning, and personal experiences.

Conclusions:

• The occupational adaptation practice model offers a unique and holistic approach to occupational therapy.
• It effectively integrates historical and contemporary practices within the profession.
• The model emphasizes the importance of relative mastery and environmental context in facilitating occupational adaptation.