Essential Constructs of Occupational Therapy: Intentional Performance, Meaningful Activity, and Occupational Balance

OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health

AOTF: The American Occupational Therapy Foundation

Interventions, Effects, and Outcomes in Occupational Therapy: Adults and Older Adults

Editorial
Essential Constructs of Occupational Therapy: Intentional Performance, Meaningful Activity, and Occupational Balance

OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health
Vol. 30, No. 3 Summer 2010

By Jane Case-Smith, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA

EXCERPT

Three articles in this issue explore meaningful activity and lifestyle balance in older adults and individuals with chronic health problems. Although the profession embraces the concept that occupational therapy intervention promotes engagement in meaningful activities, this outcome is difficult to quantify and study. How do we measure "meaningful activity"? How can we develop and test occupational therapy interventions to enhance clients' meaningful participation? This issue addresses these important questions. In a systematic review, Crabtree synthesizes the evidence supporting the concept that intention is essential to human performance, Eakman, Carlson, and Clark examine the validity of the Engagement in Meaningful Activity Survey (EMAS), and Forhan and Backman examine satisfaction with occupational balance in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

AUTHOR

Jane Case-Smith, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA is Editor

doi: 10.3928/15394492-20100611-01

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