Occupational performance: a case for self-determination

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Psychology
• Human motivation

Background:

• Self-determination, emphasizing choice and control, is central to wellbeing.
• Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme prioritizes individual/family preferences.
• Occupational therapists facilitate personally meaningful, self-endorsed goals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a framework for occupational therapy practice.
• To explain how SDT can enhance client engagement and outcomes.
• To demonstrate practice approaches supporting SDT's core psychological needs.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of Self-Determination Theory (SDT).
• Application of SDT principles to occupational therapy practice.
• Presentation of practice examples focusing on autonomy, relatedness, and competence.

Main Results:

• SDT posits that satisfying needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence drives engagement and persistence.
• Supporting these needs fosters therapeutic alliance and goal internalization.
• Optimized therapy engagement and outcomes are linked to need satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Embedding SDT into occupational therapy models provides a robust framework for practice.
• Focusing on autonomy, relatedness, and competence enhances client wellbeing.
• SDT offers a theoretical basis for understanding and improving occupational therapy interventions.