Occupational Therapy as a profession consists of two main perspectives regarding its future. These perspectives are both valid in that they are each vital within the profession. The first view addresses the significance of developing within the realm of Occupational Science in order to better address occupational risk factors. Alternatively, the second viewpoint establishes the importance of reclaiming activities and occupational based practice as the core of the profession. To critically evaluate each of these standpoints, it is imperative to first gain a better understanding of the concepts themselves
Occupational Science is the academic discipline of producing knowledge which is critical to understanding the relationships between individuals …show more content…
Interestingly, some would argue that Occupational Therapists themselves do not need to be the Occupational Scientists as there are other professions which are solely dedicated to this study. These other professions include the authorities of Anthropologists, Sociologists, Biologists, Gerontologists, and Psychologists. Each of these disciplines meticulously delves into the different aspects which constitute human occupation. However, Occupational Therapy is the only profession which takes a holistic approach with the study of human occupation as each of these professions only focuses on one or two components within human occupation respectively. If Occupational Therapists were to only rely on other professionals’ research and findings on which to base their claims, they would be unsubstantiated as each of those components had been investigated individually, and not the holistic approach with which Occupational Therapists are required to use. ('Occupational Therapy Research Agenda', …show more content…
By adeptly engaging in these activities, the client is positively influenced and their overall health and quality of life is increased. Occupational engagement is unique to each client and may be supported or hindered by a number of factors, namely: a person’s motivation and body functions, performance skills and patterns, demands of the occupation itself, as well as other physical, social, cultural, and economic environments; all of which constitute for the aforementioned holistic approach. (Whiteford & Hocking,
Occupational Science is the academic discipline of producing knowledge which is critical to understanding the relationships between individuals …show more content…
Interestingly, some would argue that Occupational Therapists themselves do not need to be the Occupational Scientists as there are other professions which are solely dedicated to this study. These other professions include the authorities of Anthropologists, Sociologists, Biologists, Gerontologists, and Psychologists. Each of these disciplines meticulously delves into the different aspects which constitute human occupation. However, Occupational Therapy is the only profession which takes a holistic approach with the study of human occupation as each of these professions only focuses on one or two components within human occupation respectively. If Occupational Therapists were to only rely on other professionals’ research and findings on which to base their claims, they would be unsubstantiated as each of those components had been investigated individually, and not the holistic approach with which Occupational Therapists are required to use. ('Occupational Therapy Research Agenda', …show more content…
By adeptly engaging in these activities, the client is positively influenced and their overall health and quality of life is increased. Occupational engagement is unique to each client and may be supported or hindered by a number of factors, namely: a person’s motivation and body functions, performance skills and patterns, demands of the occupation itself, as well as other physical, social, cultural, and economic environments; all of which constitute for the aforementioned holistic approach. (Whiteford & Hocking,