Occupation as described by novice occupational therapy students in Sweden: The first step in a theory generative process grounded in empirical data

Abstract

A core assumption in occupational therapy is that occupation enhances health. This study is one of a series of planned studies carried out in Sweden, with the overall aim to develop a theory, based on empirical grounds, concerning the dimensions of occupation that may be useful in occupational therapy. The specific aim for this study is to examine the dimensions of occupation as generally understood among novice occupational therapy students. Grounded Theory was the chosen method. Data were collected among occupational therapy students. The students wrote down spontaneously what they considered to be included in activity. A preliminary core category “The what, why, and how of occupation” and five other categories emerged from the analysis: (1) The doing and context of occupation; (2) Motive for occupation; (3) Time and place for occupation; (4) Type of participation; and (5) Outcome of occupation. Relationships between the categories were established between the Motive for occupation and Outcome of occupation, which constitute a kind of prerequisite for occupation. The three remaining categories: The doing and context of occupation, Time and place for occupation, and Type of participation established a form for occupation. In conclusion, the study results illuminated the richness of the concept of occupation and support the core assumption in occupational therapy that occupation enhances health.

• Grounded theory
• human activities and occupations
• occupational science
• occupational therapy