The development of a workbook to explore meaningful occupations after life-changing events

Taylor, J; Jones, V

Abstract

Introduction: Following serious illness or other traumatic event, individuals can
experience a disruption of identity. This is related to an altered ability to engage in the
routines, interactions and occupations of everyday life. The meaningfulness of occupations
and of life itself can be changed or diminished. Because engagement in occupations
contributes to identity construction, a practical tool to systematically explore the unique
meanings of particular occupations to an individual could be of value in helping to reestablish
a positive way forward. The aim of this study was to develop such a therapeutic
tool, based on a framework of ‘the occupied self’.
Method: A participatory design approach was employed to engage the expertise of
potential end-users of the tool: 6 occupational therapists in cancer services and 9 people
living with cancer. The prototype ‘What Now’ workbook and associated guidance notes
were incrementally developed over a period of 8 months.
Results: The workbook was judged by the expert advisers to be relevant, useful and userfriendly
with the potential to benefit carers, retirees and those recovering from lifechanging
events and illness in a variety of ways.
Conclusion: The final version of the ‘What Now’ workbook is now ready to be tested in
practice.

Citation

Taylor, J., & Jones, V. (2017). The development of a workbook to explore meaningful occupations after life-changing events. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(7), 440-447. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022617698168

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 14, 2017
• Publication Date: May 3, 2017
• Deposit Date: May 15, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: May 15, 2017
• Journal: British Journal of Occupational Therapy
• Print ISSN: 0308-0226
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-6006
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Volume: 80
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 440-447
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022617698168
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0308022617698168
• Related Public URLs: http://journals.sagepub.com/page/bjo/call-for-papers