Understanding Occupational Potential

Abstract

This article enhances understanding of the construct of occupational potential. It presents the findings of a study that analysed the life stories of older Australian women, to explore the influences that shaped their occupational experiences across the life course. The study revealed that occupational potential is a highly complex phenomenon that gradually develops over time. It also showed that each person's occupational potential is unique, due to the interaction of a host of personal and environmental influences that affect its trajectory. Based on the study findings, the author proposes an additional description of occupational potential: people's capacity to do what they are required and have opportunity to do, to become who they have the potential to be. It is recommended that the term occupational potential be assimilated into the lexicon of occupational science and that occupational science expands its research agenda to further explore the environmental influences on people's occupations.

Key Words:

• Occupational potential
• Participation
• Becoming