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How spirituality is understood in occupational therapy: A qualitative study
Heather So1, Lynette Mackenzie1, Chris Chapparo1
1Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
|March 13, 2025
Summary
Australian occupational therapists define spirituality as a connection to meaning and purpose. Key factors influencing its practice include therapist self-reflection and workplace support, though cultural discomfort and resource limitations present challenges.
Area of Science:
- Occupational therapy practice
- Clinical psychology
- Healthcare professional development
Background:
- Spirituality is a foundational, yet internationally influenced, concept in occupational therapy.
- Understanding the unique interpretation of spirituality by Australian occupational therapists is crucial for practice development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore Australian occupational therapists' interpretations and understanding of spirituality in their professional practice.
- To identify facilitators and barriers to integrating spirituality into occupational therapy.
Main Methods:
- Interpretive phenomenological methodology and reflexive thematic analysis.
- Conducted 23 individual interviews with Australian occupational therapists across diverse practice settings.
Main Results:
- Spirituality is defined as a complex connection to life's meaning and purpose.
- Therapist self-reflection and clinical experience facilitate addressing spirituality, while discomfort and client factors act as barriers.
- Workplace training and support aid integration, contrasted by cultural taboos and resource limitations.
Conclusions:
- Occupational therapists perceive spirituality as an inner-outer self connection, often including the transcendent.
- Therapist-controlled factors like self-reflection and rapport-building are key, but external factors like clinical experience and workplace culture pose challenges.
- Developing culturally sensitive resources, research, and training is recommended to enhance the integration of spirituality in Australian occupational therapy.
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