Client’s Experiences of Occupational Therapy Group Interventions in Mental Health Settings: A Meta-Ethnography

Abstract

Occupational therapy interventions in mental health settings are often delivered to groups. This meta-ethnography synthesizes existing qualitative literature on clients’ experiences of occupational therapy interventions in mental health service settings to determine factors that influence the occupational therapy experience. A model illustrating clients’ group occupational therapy experiences was constructed by the authors using Noblit and Hare’s seven phases of meta-ethnography. Through participation in occupational therapy groups, clients undergo transformative learning, leading to enhanced self-esteem, a sense of belonging, the development of skills, and the experience of positive emotions. Situations negatively experienced by clients are also discussed.

Keywords:

• Meta-synthesis
• mental illness
• purposeful activity
• group therapy
• occupation

Acknowledgments

This study was conducted as Ms. Zedel’s capstone project for partial fulfillment of her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Ms. Zedel would like to acknowledge Dr. Shu-Ping Chen’s support and guidance throughout the entire process of this research. Acknowledgments are also given to the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta for the opportunity and support in undertaking this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).