Environmental Interactions in Psychiatric Occupational Therapy–Some Inferences

Abstract

Five inferences drawn from research studies in the social sciences on the assessment of psychiatric ward atmospheres are presented as a frame of reference for psychiatric occupational therapists. The studies, based on a model stating that behavior results from the interaction of person and environment, suggest procedures for increasing successful treatment outcomes in occupational therapy. Such procedures include matching patients and staff to behavioral settings according to individual response traits and the development of programs emphasizing such variables as spontaneity, autonomy, and involvement.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of the Forensic Psychiatric Patient

“…Changes in the hospital milieu is a focus since the interaction between individual differences and the environmental setting can contribute to variance in an individual's behavioural responses and ultimately the treatment outcome (Reilly, 1966; Kannegieter, 1980). Changes in the hospital milieu is a focus since the interaction between individual differences and the environmental setting can contribute to variance in an individual's behavioural responses and ultimately the treatment outcome (Reilly, 1966; Kannegieter, 1980).…”

“…Rehabilitation involves all those kinds of behaviour that go into achieving a social role in the family, on the job and in the community. Changes in the hospital milieu is a focus since the interaction between individual differences and the environmental setting can contribute to variance in an individual's behavioural responses and ultimately the treatment outcome (Reilly, 1966;Kannegieter, 1980). Reilly (1966) suggested that the occupational therapy treatment programme should include:…”

“…By emphasizing the role of the environment in treatment, patients can be assisted in the development of new appreciation for the environment in their daily interactions (Kannegieter, 1980). The occupational therapist needs to facilitate the adaptive process through which an individual may best experience personal life satisfaction (Howe and Briggs, 1982;Kielhofner et al, 1982;Kielhofner, 1982).…”

“…Interests which are the way in which an individual organizes behaviour by prioritizing choices of activities. (Kielhofner and Burke, 1980). Habituation refers to the regulating of everyday routine behaviour and comprises:…”

“…Roles Feedback FIGURE 1 The model of human occupation Australian Occupational Therapy Journal occupying a position in a social group (Kielhofner and Bourke, 1980). Performance is responsible for producing action and is made up of skills which are the abilities to produce purposeful action in the environment (Kielhofner and Burke, 1980).…”