MEANINGFUL OCCUPATION

Since we have learnt what occupation is, we can now understand the true meaning of meaningful occupation. It is the fundamental component in occupational therapy.

Doing as such is an important aspect of being human. With meaning, occupation has the impact of enhancing an individual’s quality of life. Mee and Sumsion (2001) states that meaningful occupation can “improve the quality of an individual’s life through doing, not just through thinking” (p.122).

Meaningful occupations are which fulfil a goal or a purpose that is personally meaningful and culturally important. As stated in my previous post, occupations can be categorised as self cares, leisure and productivity, therefore meaning that everyone will have a numerous amount of meaningful occupations within their daily and weekly routines. However as occupational therapists and occupational therapy students, we need to understand that everyone will have different reasons as to why their occupations are meaningful to them.

For example; playing sport such as hockey is meaningful to me because it provides me with enjoyment, social interaction and a challenge, however to another person, they may believe hockey is meaningful to them because it keeps them fit and healthy, makes them feel good, or a way of releasing stress/steam etc. 

(Picture from google images)

There are many benefits people endure through the use of participating in occupations that are meaningful and purposeful to them. Some examples include an increased perceived self efficacy of one’s self such as the sense of mastery and self worth, quality of life and satisfaction, competence in our ability to perform and complete the activity, social interaction, sense of belonging and a way of relating to others etc.

Participation in meaningful occupation “provides opportunities to discover new information, to use capacity, and to create promoting a sense of mastery and self worth” (Goldberg, Brintell and Goldberg, 2008, p.18).

It also provides individuals with routine, control, choice and balance within an individual’s lifestyle.

“People who are engaged in occupation tend to be exhibit a general rhythm to their daily routine, a balance to work, rest, play and sleep activities and display more organised thoughts and actions” (Rebeiro,1998, p.15).

ACTIVITY: Have a think and discuss with a friend: What occupations would you miss if you were told you were never able to do them again? Why would you miss them? What impacts do these occupations have on your life?