Supporting Sustainability: A Philosophical Analysis of Certain Assumptions Underlying Occupational Therapy

Background: The relevance of supporting sustainability within occupational therapy is increasingly demonstrated and argued for. However, difficulties persist in supporting sustainability in practice, which presents occupational therapists with an occupational paradox. Why is sustainability still so difficult to include into occupational therapy practice? Purpose: The objective was to analyse certain assumptions underlying the profession that may constitute potential obstacles to the inclusion of sustainability in practice. Method: To identify and critically examine these assumptions, a philosophical analysis of five key concepts of the profession was carried out based on a triangulation of two philosophical methods. Findings: The results reveal that the five concepts analysed-person, occupation, environment, health, and justice-may act as barriers to support sustainability within the practice. Conclusion: A paradigm shift is therefore relevant, even necessary in the current climate emergency to mitigate its impacts. This is especially relevant as the climate crisis poses the greatest threat to health and endangers the ability of humans to engage in occupations essential for well-being and survival.