Influences of the social environment on engagement in occupations: The experience of persons with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

The aim of this explorative study was to describe and enhance the understanding of how persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience the influence of the social environment on their engagement in occupations. Nine persons were interviewed and the data obtained were analysed using a comparative method. The findings revealed that other persons in the social environment influenced informants’ experiences of engaging in occupations in two ways, which formed the categories: “Constructive collaboration” and “Insufficient collaboration”. These categories had certain properties related to the actions the others undertook to assist the informants during their collaboration. These assisting actions influenced the informants’ possibilities to engage in occupations, and also their experience of engagement. The findings also showed that the “Conditions for collaboration” varied and influenced their collaboration, which thereby constituted a third category. The findings may contribute to a deeper understanding of how other persons can facilitate and restrict meaningful occupational experiences. This provides knowledge that can be used by occupational therapists when empowering their clients and those close to them to reflect on their actions and the consequences of these actions to enhance occupational engagement.

• Activities of daily living
• caregiver
• disability
• occupational therapy
• personal autonomy
• rehabilitation
• social support