Occupational science: A data‐based American perspective

The purpose of this research was to provide a data‐based picture of the discipline of occupational science by identifying patterns of research in the first 5 years of presentations at the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA (SSO:USA). A grounded theory approach was used to examine 184 peer‐reviewed presentation abstracts, from 2002 to 2006. Among the 108 data‐based presentations, adults were the most studied group, with 46% of the data‐based abstracts focused on participants with a disability or clear disadvantage. Presenters’ research foci related to 4 themes: the personal experience of occupation, the context surrounding or impacting occupation, changes associated with occupation, and a descriptive perspective of occupation. Implications for occupational science are discussed.

Key Words:

• Occupational science
• Occupational therapy
• Research
• Change
• Individualism